Lionel Messi assists Inter Miami’s first 3 goals (1:10)Lionel Messi notches all the assists on Inter Miami’s first three goals in its victory against the Revolution. (1:10)
The Argentina national team, playing without Lionel Messi, beat Venezuela 1-0 on Friday in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
“We wanted to try Lautaro [Martinez] and Julian [Alvarez] and had Jose Manuel Lopez on the bench. I thought it was a valid option. In the end, Flaco [Jose Manuel Lopez] couldn’t enter the game, so he’ll enter the next one. But it was my decision, simply that.”
Despite his absence, La Albiceleste triumphed against Venezuela with a lone goal by Giovani Lo Celso after connecting with teammate Lautaro Martínez to find the back of the net. Argentina managed to dominate in the final third to record 19 shots, 11 on target, against the South American rival.
When asked if Messi would be available to feature in the team’s upcoming friendly against Puerto Rico on October 14, Scaloni remained hopeful.
Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul began the game on the bench for Argentina, substituting in the second half for Atlético Madrid star Julián Álvarez.
Argentina added that Franco Mastantuono would miss the remainder of the camp due to a left thigh injury.
Lionel Messi assists Inter Miami’s first 3 goals (1:10)Lionel Messi notches all the assists on Inter Miami’s first three goals in its victory against the Revolution. (1:10)
Lionel Messi notches all the assists on Inter Miami’s first three goals in its victory against the Revolution. (1:10)
Messi was at the stadium watching the match from the stands with his family.
“I decided that Leo [Messi] would not play,” said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
“Let’s hope Messi can be there on Tuesday, we’ll see how things unfold in the coming days.”