Lionel Messi’s Absence Raises Questions in Argentina’s Victory
Argentina secured a 1-0 win over Venezuela in an international friendly on Friday, but all eyes were on the stands rather than the pitch. Superstar Lionel Messi, the captain and talisman of the national team, was notably absent from the lineup, leaving fans and media speculating about his condition and future participation.
The friendly match, held as part of Argentina’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saw the world champions continue testing new tactical setups and emerging talents. Despite Lionel Messi’s absence, Lionel Scaloni’s men managed to claim victory thanks to a decisive goal from Giovani Lo Celso.
Scaloni Reveals Why Messi Did Not Play
After the final whistle, Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni addressed the growing curiosity surrounding Lionel Messi’s non-participation. During the post-match press conference, Scaloni clarified that the decision was purely tactical and based on rotation, not due to any injury concerns.
“I decided that Leo should not play to try Lautaro and Julián, simply that,” Scaloni explained.
The coach emphasized that he wanted to test new attacking combinations, particularly the partnership between Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. Both forwards are currently in top form at their respective clubs—Inter Milan and Manchester City—and Scaloni believes experimenting with a dual-striker setup could prove valuable in the long run.
Lionel Messi’s Role as a Spectator
Although Lionel Messi did not feature on the pitch, he was spotted in the stands, watching his teammates with interest and enthusiasm. His presence was a source of motivation for the younger players, many of whom idolize him and aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Reports from Buenos Aires confirmed that Lionel Messi is fully fit and continues to train with the squad. His absence, therefore, was a calculated decision to manage his workload, especially considering his demanding season with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS). With just one league fixture left, Lionel Messi is also in contention to finish as the MLS top scorer.
Scaloni’s Tactical Approach and Game Analysis
Discussing Argentina’s overall performance, Scaloni expressed satisfaction with the first half but admitted the team faced challenges after the break.
“The first half was quite good and we created several goal situations,” Scaloni noted. “In the second half, the first 25 minutes were not as good, but after changing the scheme, we became more solid defensively. These tests are important because they remind us there are no easy matches—every team plays us at 100%.”
The coach highlighted that friendlies like this are crucial for refining Argentina’s system and giving younger players a chance to prove themselves before the World Cup qualifiers resume.
Upcoming Fixture: Argentina vs Puerto Rico
Following the win over Venezuela, Argentina’s next challenge will be a friendly against Puerto Rico on Tuesday, October 14. Scaloni confirmed that he plans to rotate the squad again, this time giving minutes to several newcomers who did not feature in the previous match.
“On Tuesday, all the new boys will play. They haven’t had their chance yet, but that was the plan from the start,” Scaloni said. “These matches are for testing options and finding players who can help us in the future.”
Among the young talents expected to appear are:
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Walter Benítez – Goalkeeper
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Leonardo Balerdi – Defender
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Nicolás Paz – Midfielder
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Giuliano Simeone – Forward
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Franco Mastantuono – Attacking Midfielder
Scaloni’s approach reflects his long-term vision for Argentina—to build a balanced squad that mixes experience with youthful energy ahead of their 2026 World Cup campaign.
Messi’s Focus Remains on Club and Country
While some fans expressed disappointment at not seeing Messi play, the decision to rest him underscores Argentina’s strategy of protecting key players. At 38, Lionel Messi remains a vital figure for both Inter Miami and the national team, and managing his playing time is essential to keeping him in peak condition.
With the World Cup less than two years away, Scaloni’s goal is to ensure that Argentina’s golden generation, led by Messi, stays healthy while also integrating the next wave of stars.
As Argentina continue their preparations, all signs indicate that Messi will return to action soon—refreshed, motivated, and ready to guide his nation in pursuit of another historic title.
