Argentina will aim to rediscover their winning touch when they take on Venezuela on Friday.
After a rare setback in their last World Cup qualifier, Argentina will look to reassert their dominance when they host Venezuela in a friendly clash on Friday. While the result will have no bearing on qualification standings, Lionel Scaloni’s side will aim to restore rhythm and confidence before heading into a busy international calendar in 2026.
Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Ecuador may have ended their unbeaten qualifying campaign, but it did little to diminish their authority across South America. The 2022 World Cup champions collected 38 points from 18 matches, finishing a remarkable nine points clear of Ecuador and ten ahead of Brazil, reaffirming their position as the continent’s gold standard.
Scaloni, known for maintaining balance between tactical stability and player rotation, is expected to use this friendly as an opportunity to test depth options. With fixtures against Puerto Rico following this one, Argentina could experiment with a few emerging names while maintaining their trademark structure and discipline.
Their dominance over Venezuela is historical and emphatic, 25 wins in 30 meetings, including a 3-0 triumph in the most recent qualifier in September 2025. However, the Albiceleste will remember their last friendly defeat to Venezuela in March 2019 (3-1), a reminder that any complacency can be punished at this level.
Venezuela, on the other hand, continue their long-term rebuilding process after missing out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup. With four wins and six draws from 18 qualifiers, they showed signs of resilience but lacked consistency in the final third. Under Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, the Vinotinto are focusing on the next generation, with several young and untested players set to feature across this friendly window, including matches against Belize, Nigeria, and Canada.
While experience and quality are firmly in Argentina’s favour, Venezuela’s youthful enthusiasm could make for an intriguing watch, especially as they look to test themselves against the reigning world champions in front of a passionate Buenos Aires crowd. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Argentina
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni is expected to use this friendly as a platform to maintain his side’s cohesion while giving opportunities to a few squad players pushing for long-term inclusion in the 2026 World Cup setup. Despite this being a non-competitive fixture, Scaloni is likely to field a strong starting XI that blends experience with emerging talent.
The world champions have one notable fitness concern heading into the game. Franco Mastantuono, the young Real Madrid attacker, is a doubt due to hamstring discomfort and is unlikely to be risked for this friendly. The coaching staff are prioritizing his full recovery ahead of future international duties.
There remains uncertainty around Lionel Messi’s participation as well. The Argentina captain could feature for Inter Miami against Atlanta United before joining the national team for the subsequent fixture against Puerto Rico. If he misses out, Scaloni will still rely on Julian Alvarez, who is in excellent club form, to lead the attacking line alongside Lautaro Martinez.
In terms of formation, Argentina are expected to continue with their trusted 4-2-2-2 setup, offering a balance between midfield control and attacking fluidity. Emiliano Martinez will start in goal, shielded by a defensive quartet of Nahuel Molina at right-back, Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi in central defence, and Nicolas Tagliafico on the left.
In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister will occupy the deeper double pivot, providing both defensive cover and creative distribution. Ahead of them, Giuliano Simeone and Enzo Fernandez are likely to operate in more advanced central roles, supporting the strike duo of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, who will aim to exploit Venezuela’s defensive line with their movement and finishing.
Scaloni’s tactical focus will be on maintaining quick transitions, controlling possession through the midfield, and pressing high to force errors, a hallmark of Argentina’s modern approach under his tenure.
Probable Lineup (4-2-2-2): Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister; Simeone, E Fernandez; Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
Venezuela
Venezuela manager Oswaldo Vizcarrondo has opted for a youthful and transitional squad for this international window, signalling a new era for La Vinotinto. Several senior figures, including long-serving captain Tomas Rincon and veteran striker Salomon Rondon, have been left out of the side as Vizcarrondo looks to build a foundation for the future.
There are no injury or suspension concerns for Venezuela heading into this match, but the team selection itself reflects the manager’s intent to prioritize development over experience. A number of uncapped players have been called up, with Carlos Faya, Ender Echenique, and Wikelman Carmona among those tipped to make their senior international debuts.
In attack, Kevin Kelsy, who plies his trade with Portland Timbers in MLS, is expected to start up front. The young forward’s strength and aerial ability make him a useful outlet against stronger opposition. He could be partnered by Jesus Ramirez, another emerging striker eager to make his mark at the international level.
Venezuela are expected to adopt a compact 5-3-2 formation to absorb Argentina’s pressure and counter through pace and energy. Joel Graterol will start in goal, protected by a back five consisting of Nahuel Ferraresi, Carlos Vivas, and Luis Balbo as the three centre-backs. Angel Azuaje and Jon Aramburu are likely to take up the wing-back roles, tasked with providing defensive cover as well as width in transitions.
In midfield, Cristian Casseres, who brings valuable experience with over 40 caps, will anchor the central trio alongside Telasco Segovia and Kervin Andrade. This midfield setup aims to maintain compactness and frustrate Argentina’s creators through disciplined positioning.
Up front, Kevin Kelsy and Jesus Ramirez will lead the line, looking to press Argentina’s backline aggressively and capitalise on any mistakes. While youth dominates this Venezuela side, the blend of raw potential and a few experienced figures like Casseres could make them unpredictable opponents for the world champions.
Probable Lineup (5-3-2): Graterol; Azuaje, Ferraresi, Vivas, Balbo, Aramburu; Casseres Jr, Segovia, Andrade; Kelsy, Ramirez
Key Stats
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Argentina have won 25 of their 30 previous meetings against Venezuela, losing just once. The Albiceleste have scored 86 goals in those matches while conceding only 14, highlighting their historical dominance over La Vinotinto.
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Lionel Scaloni’s men have lost only one of their last 28 international fixtures (excluding penalty shootouts), that defeat coming against Ecuador in their final World Cup qualifier. They have also kept 17 clean sheets in that span.
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Venezuela have failed to win any of their last 12 away games against Argentina in all competitions, conceding an average of 2.8 goals per match in that period. Their last win on Argentine soil dates back to 2019, and that was a neutral-venue friendly.
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Argentina have scored in every home game since November 2021, netting two or more goals in 14 of those matches. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez have combined for 19 international goals since the 2022 World Cup.
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With senior players Salomon Rondon and Tomas Rincon omitted, Venezuela’s squad has an average age of just 23.8 years, making it one of their youngest in over a decade. Only three players in the traveling team have more than 30 caps, highlighting a generational shift.
Player to Watch
Julian Alvarez
All eyes will be on Julian Alvarez, Argentina’s dynamic forward, who continues to evolve into one of the team’s most influential figures under Lionel Scaloni. The Atletico Madrid striker brings versatility, intelligence, and relentless energy, qualities that make him indispensable for both club and country.
Since making his international debut, Alvarez has scored crucial goals in high-pressure matches, including during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, where he netted four times, showcasing his composure and finishing ability on the biggest stage.
For Argentina, Alvarez thrives in a dual-striker system alongside Lautaro Martinez, where his movement between the lines and ability to drop deep to link play create space for others. His pressing from the front also sets the tone for the team’s defensive intensity, often forcing turnovers that lead to quick attacking transitions.
Coming into this friendly, Alvarez is in excellent form at the club level, consistently scoring and assisting in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Against Venezuela’s youthful and inexperienced backline, his anticipation, quick turns, and sharp finishing could prove decisive.
If Lionel Messi is rested for this fixture, Alvarez will be expected to step up as Argentina’s main attacking outlet, a role he is more than capable of handling. His combination of work rate and technical finesse makes him the clear player to watch in this matchup.
Prediction
Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
Argentina are overwhelming favourites heading into this friendly, and for good reason. Lionel Scaloni’s side boast world-class depth, tactical discipline, and attacking variety, even when resting key stars like Lionel Messi. Playing at home in front of a passionate crowd, they are expected to dominate possession and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Venezuela, meanwhile, are entering a transitional phase with a youthful and largely inexperienced squad. While their defensive structure may hold firm early on, Argentina’s quality in midfield, led by Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez, should gradually take control of the game. The movement and pressing of Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez will likely overwhelm the visitors’ back five.
Given Argentina’s recent defensive solidity and Venezuela’s struggles away from home, a clean sheet for Emiliano Martinez looks highly probable. Expect the world champions to assert their superiority with a professional performance, adding another comfortable win to their impressive home record.
