In the final stretch of the South American Qualifiers, Argentina hosts Venezuela at the Estadio Más Monumental for matchday 17. Beyond the sporting aspect, this match will have a very special emotional component: it will be Lionel Messi's last official match with the national team in the country.
La Albiceleste, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup several matches ago and with first place secured, comes into this match with a five-game unbeaten streak, the result of four victories (Peru 1-0, Uruguay 0-1, Brazil 4-1, and Chile 0-1) and one draw (Colombia 1-1). This situation will give Lionel Scaloni greater freedom to try out new players and for the team to showcase La Pulga.
Almada salvo sobre la hota a Argentina frente a Colombia
Meanwhile, La Vinotinto is in need of points, as it is currently fighting to secure seventh place, which would send it to the play-off. In its last matches this year, the team led by "Bocha" Batista had two key victories against two direct rivals: Peru (1-0) and Bolivia (2-0). However, it also suffered two expected defeats against Ecuador (2-1) and Uruguay (2-0).
Venezuela cayó como visitante ante Uruguay
As for the record, both national teams have faced each other a total of 28 times, with 23 victories for the Argentinians, 2 for the Venezuelans, and 3 draws. The last time they met was on matchday nine of the current qualifiers at the Estadio Maturín, a match that ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals by Salomón Rondón for the home team and Nicolás Otamendi for the visitors.
La última vez empataron 1-1
Time and TV for Argentina vs. Venezuela
The national team's last home match in the South American Qualifiers will be played tonight starting at 8:30 p.m. at the Estadio Más Monumental. The match will be broadcast by Telefe and TyC Sports.
Possible Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, and Marcos Acuña
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, and Nico Paz or Franco Mastantuono
Forwards: Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, and Lionel Messi
Venezuela (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Rafael Romo
Defenders: Miguel Navarro, Nahuel Ferraresi, Wilker Ángel, and Jon Aramburu
Midfielders: Jhon Murillo, Carlos Faya, Daniel Pereira, Cristian Cásseres Jr., and Jefferson Savarino
