1-0! Messi drank tea in the stands, Argentina only won 1-0, the media criticized: It should have won by a big score

With Messi absent, Argentina’s small victory over Venezuela exposed forward efficiency issues

On October 10, 2025, in an international friendly match held in Miami, the United States, the Argentina team, which lacked top star Messi, relied on Lo Celso’s goal to defeat Venezuela 1-0. Despite the overwhelming advantage, the team exposed the problem of low efficiency in the final kick.

Messi takes a rest, Lo Celso makes a contribution

Although Messi was selected into the squad for this round of international matches, he has recently participated intensively with Inter Miami (played 7 games in the past 27 days, including away games in New York and Toronto), and he will represent Miami against Atlanta on Saturday, which puts a heavy physical load. For protection purposes, coach Scaloni decided to give him a rest and did not enter the starting lineup.

In the 31st minute of the game, Argentina broke the deadlock: Lo Celso calmly pushed the ball into the penalty area and scored, giving the team the lead. This was also the only goal in the game.

It was difficult to break the ice in controlling the field, and the offensive efficiency was questioned.

Although Argentina had an overwhelming advantage throughout the game and created a large number of scoring opportunities, it was never able to expand the score. In the 17th minute of the first half, Nico Paz's long-range shot hit the goalpost; in the 74th minute of the second half, Venezuelan player Quinteros hit the crossbar with a powerful shot, becoming the opponent's best chance of the game.

Goalkeeper Contreras performed bravely and repeatedly resolved the must-goal goals of Lautaro Martinez and others, performing a wonderful "one man at the gate". Lautaro was blocked four times and unfortunately missed two goals.

After the game, the media commented: "This was supposed to be a big victory, but in the end it was only recorded as 1-0." Argentina's offense was described as "a game that was supposed to be a massacre."

The lineup has sufficient depth, Scaloni is experimenting with the new lineup

Despite the lack of core players such as Messi, DePaul and McAllister, Scaloni still has sufficient lineup depth. He arranged a 4-4-2 formation, with Lautaro and Alvarez partnering up front.

During the game, Scaloni also conducted tactical experiments:

The left wing formed a "golden triangle" of Lo Celso, Tagliafico and youngster Nico Paz, who cooperated tacitly;

At the end of the game, three central defenders were changed, and Balerdi came as a central defender, showing tactical flexibility.

It is worth mentioning that DePaul seemed dissatisfied with the longer waiting time when he came on the bench. This also reflects the fierce competition within the team and every player is eager to prove himself.

Messi watched the game live, Argentina played against Puerto Rico.

Although Messi did not appear on the field, he came to Hard Rock Stadium with his family and watched the entire game in the box. He also drank yerba mate and cheered for his teammates.

After this campaign, Argentina will face Puerto Rico on October 14. It is worth looking forward to whether Messi will return by then.