Overview

• Argentina announced Messi would not be available against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium, and he watched from the stands with his family.
• Scaloni said selections would be decided late and used the friendly to assess options up front, highlighting minutes for Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez.
• With Friday’s absence, attention shifted to Inter Miami’s home game against Atlanta United on Saturday, as Javier Mascherano said he would be delighted if Messi could play but noted he had not spoken to him.
• Inter Miami have already qualified for the 2025 MLS playoffs and are chasing a higher Eastern Conference seed while coping with five additional international call-ups.
• Argentina confirmed Franco Mastantuono’s withdrawal from camp due to a left thigh injury, and the team next face Puerto Rico on Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale.