Scaloni’s Argentina Edge Venezuela in Miami Friendly, Lineups Confirmed

When Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina national football team released his squad on Thursday, the buzz around Miami was palpable.

The Argentina vs Venezuela International FriendlyHard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida, United States kicked off on Friday, October 10, 2025, under a clear sky that seemed to promise drama.

Why This Match Matters

Both sides are using the game as a final rehearsal before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. For Argentina, it’s a chance to fine‑tune a 5‑3‑2 system that Scaloni hinted at during a press conference on October 9. Venezuela, meanwhile, is eager to prove they can compete without the veteran duo of Salomón Rondón and Tomás Rincón, both of whom were left out of the squad.

Argentina’s Confirmed Starting XI

The line‑up, confirmed by BolaVIP, reads like a blend of experience and youthful ambition:

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defence: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico
Midfield: Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás González
Attack: Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez

Noticeably missing is Lionel Messi. Scaloni left his participation “up in the air” because of ongoing commitments with Inter Miami. The Argentine captain’s potential cameo has become the talk of the terraces.

Venezuela’s Turned‑Tough Line‑up

Venezuela’s coach opted for a compact 5‑4‑1 shape, banking on speed up front:

Goalkeeper: Wuilker Faríñez (with a rumor that Joel Graterol might start)
Defence: Ronald Hernández, Yordan Osorio, Jhon Chancellor, Roberto Rosales, Yangel Herrera
Midfield: Jefferson Savarino, Eduard Bello, Telasco Segovia (MLS‑regular), and a fourth‑man slot shuffled between emerging talents
Striker: José Luis César (the lone forward in the 5‑4‑1)

With the omission of Rondón and Rincón, Venezuela lost a combined 251 caps, a stark reminder of the generational shift the team is undergoing.

Tactical Talk: Scaloni’s 5‑3‑2 Experiment

During the October 9 press conference, Scaloni explained, “I wanted to try the 5‑3‑2 option, which is an interesting variation, and we have the players to do it. There are times when defensive solidity is needed.” The Argentine back‑four essentially morphed into a back‑three when the wide centre‑backs pushed slightly higher, allowing Sergio López‑type wing‑backs to provide width.

Marcos Senesi’s return after a three‑year national team hiatus added a different flavour to the defence. The Bournemouth centre‑back, at 27, displayed a willingness to step into a ball‑playing role, linking up with Tagliafico and Molina. His performance could influence whether he becomes a regular under Scaloni’s evolving system.

Match Highlights and Result

The game unfolded exactly as many pundits predicted: Argentina dominated possession (68%) and created 16 shots, nine of which were on target. The first goal came in the 23rd minute when Martínez saved a low drive from Segovia, then quickly fed De Paul, whose incisive pass unlocked Álvarez for a clinical finish.

Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from a set‑piece at the 41st minute, heading home from a corner that Paredes floated in. Venezuela managed a late consolation through a scrappy tap‑in after a corner, but the scoreline stayed 3‑1.

Post‑match, Scaloni praised the squad’s resilience and the “fresh energy” Senesi brought. He also hinted that Messi’s next appearance could be in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Paraguay.

Impact on World Cup Preparations

For Argentina, the friendly served two purposes: confirming the tactical viability of a 5‑3‑2 shape and giving the coach a clearer picture of the squad depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The win reinforces confidence in a forward line that can operate without Messi for short bursts.

Venezuela, on the other hand, now faces a rebuilding phase. The absence of Rondón and Rincón forces younger players like Segovia and Soto to step up. Their performance against a top‑10 side will be a barometer for upcoming CONMEBOL qualifiers.

How to Watch the Replay

U.S. viewers have several streaming options for catching the match on demand:

fubo Latino Package – $33 / month
MLS Season Pass – $14.99 / month
ESPN+ – $10.99 / month
Fubo – $7.99 / month
Peacock Premium – starting at $7.99 / month

Looking Ahead

Argentina’s next test comes against Paraguay on October 14, while Venezuela will regroup for a clash with Belize on October 12. Both fixtures will provide further clues about squad rotation and the long‑term viability of Scaloni’s experimental setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Lionel Messi skip the Miami friendly?

Messi was tied up with club duties at Inter Miami. Scaloni left his involvement “up in the air” to avoid disrupting the MLS schedule.

What tactical change did Scaloni test against Venezuela?

He experimented with a 5‑3‑2 formation, pulling the full‑backs higher and using a dual‑striker partnership of Álvarez and Martínez to press the Venezuelan defence.

How did Marcos Senesi’s performance influence his national team future?

Senesi’s composure and ball‑playing ability impressed Scaloni, who hinted the defender could become a regular if he maintains the level shown in Miami.

Which Venezuelan players stood out despite the loss?

Telasco Segovia, a midfielder from Inter Miami, showed sharp passing, while goalkeeper Wuilker Faríñez kept several early threats out, earning praise for his reflexes.

What does this result mean for Argentina’s World Cup preparations?

A 3‑1 victory confirms Argentina’s attacking depth and validates the 5‑3‑2 experiment, giving Scaloni confidence ahead of the crucial qualifiers later this year.