World Cup and Copa America holders Argentina will face off against Venezuela in the FIFA World Cup 2026 CONMEBOL qualifiers on Friday at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín.
Argentina currently tops the qualifying table with 18 points from eight matches, having secured six wins. However, they come into this match after a surprising loss to Colombia. Venezuela, positioned sixth, has gathered 10 points from the same number of matches.
The top six teams from the qualifying round will secure direct entry into the World Cup finals, set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The seventh-placed team will have a chance to compete in the inter-confederation playoffs.
Will Lionel Messi Play?
Lionel Messi is available for selection after missing the previous match against Colombia due to an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final in the United States. However, Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will not be present, serving a two-match suspension.
Alexis Mac Allister has joined the squad, but his fitness to start or play is uncertain. The same applies to German Pezzella. Several key players have withdrawn from the squad due to injuries or for fitness management, including Nico Gonzalez, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcos Acuña, Cristian Romero, and Paulo Dybala.
Head-to-Head Record
| Statistic | Matches Played | Argentina Wins | Venezuela Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 14 | 10 | 2 | 2 |
Predicted Lineups
Here’s the predicted lineup for Argentina and Venezuela:
| Team | Position | Player |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Goalkeeper | Rulli |
| Defenders | Acuña | |
| Otamendi | ||
| Lisandro Martínez | ||
| Tagliafico | ||
| Midfielders | De Paul | |
| Enzo Fernández | ||
| Lo Celso | ||
| Forwards | Messi | |
| Lautaro Martínez | ||
| Julián Álvarez | ||
| Venezuela | Goalkeeper | Romo |
| Defenders | A. González | |
| Osorio | ||
| Ferraresi | ||
| Navarro | ||
| Midfielders | Savarino | |
| J. Martínez | ||
| Casseres | ||
| Herrera | ||
| Soteldo | ||
| Forward | Rondón |
How to Watch
Fans can catch the live action of the Venezuela vs. Argentina match through various broadcasting services. Check local listings for streaming options in your region.
As the match approaches, both teams will be eager to secure crucial points in their quest for World Cup qualification, making this a must-watch encounter for football enthusiasts.
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