Argentina to Face Venezuela Amidst Travel Challenges and Player Changes

The Argentinian national football team, led by star player Lionel Messi, is slated to face Venezuela today in a World Cup qualifying match at Monumental Stadium in Maturín. This encounter marks Messi’s return to the national squad after recovering from an injury sustained during the Copa America final against Colombia on July 14.

The team endured significant travel disruptions due to Hurricane Milton and Venezuelan government restrictions, necessitating a layover in Barranquilla, Colombia, before their arrival in Maturín the previous night. Despite these challenges, Messi, who recently showcased his form with Inter Miami by contributing four goals in five matches, is expected to start.

Argentina has seen a mixed start to its World Cup qualifying campaign, having recently experienced a 2-1 loss to Colombia. This was only the fourth loss for the team in their last 65 matches, following setbacks against Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil in recent competitive fixtures.

Coach Lionel Scaloni, while noting some absentees due to injuries, including Paulo Dybala and Nicolás González, expressed confidence in the squad’s capabilities. “Messi is fine. He played several games for his team in recent weeks, after not being in the last call-up, which was what we had agreed because he needed to recover and get more minutes,” Scaloni affirmed.

The current lineup, missing several key players, will see substitutions with players like Facundo Buonanotte and 19-year-old Julio Soler stepping up. Scaloni has strategically fielded a solid defensive partnership comprised of Nicolás Otamendi and Lisandro Martínez, while the midfield will feature talents like Leandro Paredes and Rodrigo De Paul.

Bookmakers have placed Argentina as favorites (-175) to win against Venezuela (+525), noting Argentina’s impressive win record. The match is available for live streaming via subscription services, allowing fans to follow Messi’s anticipated return to the pitch.

Following the Venezuela match, Argentina will face Bolivia at home on Tuesday, with Messi set to return to Florida for Inter Miami’s regular-season finale and ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs later this month.