Overview

• Argentina, the reigning world champions, beat Venezuela 1-0 in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium with Giovani Lo Celso scoring in the first half.
• Lionel Messi did not feature and viewed the game from the stadium boxes.
• Argentina controlled possession and created multiple chances, but goalkeeper José Contreras kept the score close with several key saves.
• Venezuela threatened after the break as Yeferson Quintero struck the crossbar, prompting late Argentine introductions of Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister.
• Argentina’s next friendly is against Puerto Rico in the United States, with media reports differing on the exact date and venue.