Argentina are unbeaten in five meetings with Venezuela, winning four of them. In fact, la Vinotinto having only ever won two of 30 clashes with la Albiceleste, these coming in Puerto La Cruz in 2011 and in Madrid in a friendly six years ago.
Argentina vs Venezuela preview
Argentina will be in North America next summer as reigning world champions, arguably even stronger now than three years ago. Lionel Scaloni's side finished top of the CONMEBOL qualification table, winning 12 of their 18 fixtures, historically beating Brazil both 1-0 at the Maracanã and then 4-1 at Estadio Monumental back in March. Last month, la Albiceleste concluded by swatting aside Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires, before a dead-rubber 1-0 defeat to Ecuador in Guayaquil.
So now, the reigning world champions have just eight friendlies to prepare for next summer's defence of their crown. On Monday night, they'll travel to Chicago to take on Puerto Rico, world ranked 155, meaning they are three places below Fiji and just six above Afghanistan. Thus, not the toughest of opposition for Argentina, neither here nor in Illinois, so expect them to claim two wins.
As for Venezuela, their dream has been shattered. On the final day of World Cup qualification, la Vinotinto were beaten 6-3 by Colombia in Maturín while, simultaneously 1,844 miles south and 4,150 meters above sea level in El Alto, Bolivia beat Brazil 1-0. This saw Venezuela slip down to eighth in the table, thereby crushing their World Cup hopes, sparking heartbreaking scenes, as Bolivia pinched the coveted inter-confederation play-off place.
Thus, Venezuela remain the only South American nation to have never qualified for a World Cup, with head coach Fernando Batista sacked as a result, leaving youth manager Oswaldo Vizcarrondo in caretaker charge. Thus, this is the start of a new era for la Vinotinto, who will face Belize, Nigeria and Canada in friendlies stateside this month and next, with no competitive fixtures in their calendar for two years. Thus, those inside Hard Rock Stadium are likely to see Argentina cruise to victory.
Argentina vs Venezuela head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 30.
- Argentina Wins: 25. Draws: 3. Venezuela Wins: 2.
Argentina team news
Given that this is the tougher of the two friendlies facing Lionel Scaloni's side this week, expect him to go strong here before experimenting more against Puerto Rico.
Julián Álvarez's red-hot form for Atlético Madrid will see him lead the line, while Franco Mastantuono has been starring across the city at Real, so is set to earn just his fourth cap.
Centre-back Nicolás Otamendi was sent off against Ecuador in a dead-rubber last month, so will serve a one-match suspension at the World Cup. Given this, could Marcos Senesi or Leonardo Balerdi get a chance to stake a claim to be Cristian Romero's partner.
Argentina predicted lineup vs Venezuela: (4-4-2): Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, Fernández, Almada, Mastantuono; Messi, Álvarez,
Argentina player to watch vs Venezuela
Should Lionel Messi feature, he would win his 195th international cap, scoring 114 times for Argentina, of which seven have come against Venezuela, only on target against Bolivia with a greater frequency.
Venezuela team news
As already mentioned, following their failure to qualify for a first-ever World Cup, many of Venezuela's experienced players have stepped aside.
Thus, none of Tomás Rincón, Salomón Rondón nor Josef Martínez, who have 333 caps between them, are in this squad.
In fact, only defenders Nahuel Ferraresi and Ronald Hernández as well as midfielder Cristian Cásseres Jr have over 30 caps, so expect a youthful, new-look Venezuelan team in Florida.
Venezuela predicted lineup vs Argentina: (5-4-1): Otero; Hernández, Aramburu, Ferraresi, Vivas, Milani; Cásseres Jr, Segovia, Juanpi, Yriarte; Kevin Kelsy.
Venezuela player to watch vs Argentina
Kevin Kelsy has scored nine goals for MLS club Portland Timbers in 2025, including a brace againt former employers FC Cincinnati in August, so can he open his international account?
Argentina vs Venezuela prediction
As already mentioned, we're backing Argentina to swat aside a beleaguered and inexperienced Venezuela side, that lacks quality regardless, in Miami on Friday: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela.
Argentina vs Venezuela FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela in an international friendly on TV channel?
Argentina vs Venezuela in an international friendly will be available on the following TV channels;
- USA: beIN SPORTS & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada & fuboTV Canada
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela in an international friendly on live streaming?
Argentina vs Venezuela in an international friendly will be available on the following streaming services;
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Argentina vs Venezuela in an international friendly?
Argentina vs Venezuela takes place on Friday 10 October 2025, with kick off at 1:00am (BST), 20:00 (EDT) & 17:00 (PDT).