Summary of the Argentina vs. Venezuela match
It’s been an incredible rise to prominence over the past 20 months for Franco MastantuonoHowever, there is one moment that he claims stands out from the rest: when he wore the number 10 shirt for Argentine Lionel Messi.
Mastantuno received this honor in Argentina’s final match in the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador last month. He started the match on the bench but entered the fray just after the hour mark and admitted wearing the number 10 was a very special honour.
“I didn’t know I was going to get it,” he said ahead of Argentina’s friendly match against Venezuela in Miami tomorrow night.
“I walked into the dressing room and it surprised me. I have had the pleasure of wearing the jersey of the greatest player of all time, Leo, and many historic players, such as Diego (Maradona).
“It was the best thing that happened to me in my career. I didn’t expect it. When I see a picture of this shirt I feel very happy. It’s a nice pressure to wear this number; “It was always my number.”
Mastantuno has gone from River Plate debutant to Real Madrid star since January 2024 and even he can’t believe his progress.
He said: “The moment I am experiencing is incredible. Being at Real Madrid and in the national team is every footballer’s dream and I am enjoying it very much.”
“I’m young, I can improve a lot and this development is going well. I feel happy.”
Although he would like to wear the number 10 again tomorrow, expectations are that Messi will start the match in his adopted city before making way.
Mastantuno could replace him at No. 10 when Argentina face Puerto Rico on Tuesday, with Messi expected to be rested ahead of a busy schedule for Inter Miami.
Argentina cruised through World Cup qualifiers with ease, finishing first, and appear well placed to defend the title they won in Qatar three years ago.
Venezuela will not join them in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year after missing out on the chance to grab South America’s ticket to the FIFA qualifiers. They led Colombia in the final round but lost 6-3 and were beaten by Bolivia.
Team news for the Argentina vs. Venezuela match
Lionel Scaloni is expected to start the game with an almost full-strength line-up, but he then gives most of his team chances to impress.
Venezuela, under the interim leadership of former youth coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, has selected a young squad as it looks to the next World Cup. Veterans Salomon Rondon and Tomas Rincon have been ruled out.
The expected lineup for the Argentina vs. Venezuela match
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, McAllister, Fernandes; Messi; Alvarez
Venezuela: Graterol; Aramburu, Ferrarisi, Vivas, Milani; Anwar, Segovia, Caceres, Bueno; Bolivar, Kelsey
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela: TV and online broadcast
The Argentina vs. Venezuela match kicks off at 8 p.m. EST. In the US, you can watch it on beIN SPORTS USA and beIN SPORTS in Spanish. It is also available through platforms like fuboTV, Sling TV, and Fanatiz USA.
Not offered in the UK.
Argentina and Venezuela match statistics
- Argentina met Venezuela last month in the World Cup qualifiers, and Messi scored two goals in a 3-0 win
- But Venezuela forced Argentina to a 1-1 draw in the return match 12 months ago
Predict the result of the Argentina vs. Venezuela match
It seems that Venezuela’s task is very difficult against the Argentine national team, which has full strength, especially in light of the absence of some of its experienced players.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
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