Scaloni did not confirm in Thursday’s press conference if Messi would start the match or not. Speaking to the media after Argentina’s 1-0 win, here is what Scaloni had to say about Messi not playing:
“I decided that Leo (Messi) wouldn’t play. I wanted to see Lautaro (Martínez) and Julián (Álvarez), and we also had Flaco López on the bench, who we’ll also be seeing soon.”
The Argentina national team will play Puerto Rico on Tuesday at Inter Miami’s Chase stadium.
Marcos Senesi spoke about playing with the Argentina national team.
Senesi played his first match for the Argentina national team in 2022 and Argentina’s 1-0 win against Venezuela was his first with the Argentina national team in over three years. Prior to being called up by coach Lionel Scaloni in 2022, Senesi refused a call up from the Italian nattional team.
He started for Argentina for the first time in the win against Venezuela. Speaking to the media after the match, here is what he had to say:
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to be here with the national team, to play my first game as a starter wearing this jersey.
“I made the decision with my head and my heart. I believe it was the right thing to do to play for my country. It’s something I always wanted and always dreamed of.
“I try to enjoy it to the fullest and make the most of the opportunity.”
Giovani Lo Celso scored for Argentina in their 1-0 win against Venezuela.
The Argentina national team were without Lionel Messi and Franco Mastantuono but it was Giovani Lo Celso who scored.
The first half saw Nicolás Tagliafico and Marcos Senesi having a lot of the ball. Nico Paz nearly gave Argentina the 1-0 lead but his effort from outside of the penalty area was saved by the goalkeeper and hit the post.
Venezuela nearly took a 1-0 lead when a cross inside the penalty area beat Emiliano Martinez as it was an open net but it was missed.
Moments later, Julián Álvarez passed it to Lautaro Martínez who found Giovani Lo Celso and he would score to give Argentina the 1-0 lead. Lo Celso now has four goals with the Argentina national team.
After half time, Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni would substitute Nicolás González in for Nicolás Tagliafico. Nico Paz had an effort on goal from outside of the penalty area which was saved by the goalkeeper.
Giuliano Simeone was substituted in for Leandro Paredes. Venezuela nearly drew level but their effort hit the crossbar.
Scaloni substitute in Rodrigo De Paul, Leonardo Balerdi and Alexis Mac Allister for Julián Álvarez, Nahuel Molina and Enzo Fernández.
Giuliano Simeone had a low pass into the penalty area but Nico Paz was unable to get to the end of it. Lautaro Martínez had an effort from close range which was saved by the goalkeeper.
Alexis Mac Allister had an effort from outside of the penalty area which was also saved. Argentina were awarded a free kick and it was Rodrigo De Paul who took it and his cross found an unmarked Leonardo Balerdi but his header went wide.
Argentina would win 1-0 and they will play Puerto Rico on Tuesday in Miami.
Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has named his starting eleven as Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez will start.
With no Lionel Messi and Franco Mastantuono, Argentina national team coach has named his starting eleven for the match. Cristian Romero will be the captain. Here is the starting eleven:
Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Senesi, Tagliafico; Paz, Paredes, Enzo, Lo Celso; Julián Álvarez and Lautaro
Lionel Messi will not play for Argentina against Venezuela.
Messi is not going to play with the Argentina national team for their match against Venezuela on Friday. The official Argentina social media account has mentioned that Messi will not be available for Friday’s match.
