Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Thursday before the game against Venezuela.

Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference about the starting eleven, the World Cup, Emiliano Martínez, Lautaro Rivero and José Manuel López. Here is what he had to say:

“I haven’t decided on the team yet, we’ll do that this afternoon during the last training session. These are games to try out different options, and that’s what we’re going to do.

“We must continue to play as a team. The roster will not be finalized until the end. We have quite a few spots filled, or even overfilled with players. That’s the good thing; they will have to continue to earn their place.

“We have many of the best players in the world. We enjoy watching them every day.”

Scaloni also spoke about the World Cup:

“We have more players than the 26 on the list but that’s a good thing. They’ll have to earn their place in these matches.”

About Emiliano Martínez:

“Dibu is fit to play.”

He also spoke about Lautaro Rivero:

“Lautaro Rivero is giving us a good feeling. He will get some playing time in this doubleheader.”

About José Manuel López:

“José López has taken an important step forward after being called up. He had a very good season, but now he has realized that he is very good and that he can play very well. That’s what we make him understand, that he plays well and that he has to believe it.”

The Argentina National Team will play two international friendlies this October as part of their preparation for upcoming World Cup Qualifiers. Lionel Messi and the world champions will face Venezuela on Friday, October 10, and Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Both matches will be available to watch live and in HD on Fanatiz, the official streaming platform for South American football. Fans can tune in through the Front Row plan, which offers coverage of the Argentina National Team, the Argentine Primera División (LPF), Copa Libertadores, Copa Sudamericana, and more regional competitions.

Fanatiz also provides commentary options in English, Spanish, or Nat Sound, making it accessible for viewers around the world.

📺 Watch both matches live on Fanatiz here: Click to Watch on Fanatiz

(This link supports Mundo Albiceleste — thank you for using it to access the official stream.)

Nico Paz has big chances of starting for the Argentina national team against Venezuela.

Paz could be in the starting eleven for Argentina on Friday. According to Gastón Edul, Paz could start and there will be changes in the back line.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has included Marcos Senesi in the team and called up Lautaro Rivero.

It is also not confirmed if Lionel Messi will start for Argentina.