Lionel Messi sits out Argentina win over Venezuela in Miami - ESPN

The Argentina national team, playing without Lionel Messi, beat Venezuela 1-0 on Friday in a friendly at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Messi was at the stadium watching the match from the stands with his family.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who teased the possibility of experimenting with the lineup in the match against Venezuela when addressing the media Thursday, never ruled out the captain's participation.

«Yes, we've spoken with [Messi], as we've spoken with everyone. We haven't decided on the team yet. We'll decide until late in the last training session,» Scaloni said Thursday. «It's true that these are games to try out and to see, as I said the other day, and that's what we're going to do. But we'll talk with him and decide today. It's obvious I'd like to try out different options because that's what these are games for, while always respecting the opponent, and today, we'll finalize that decision.»

Messi's Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul began the game on the bench for Argentina, substituting in the second half for Atletico Madrid star Julián Álvarez.

Scaloni reiterated that the team was using its upcoming friendlies to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina plays again Tuesday in a friendly against Puerto Rico at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. That game was originally scheduled to be played in Chicago but was relocated in part due to poor ticket sales.

Inter Miami has a game Saturday, sandwiched between Argentina's two friendlies.

Miami coach Javier Mascherano welcomed the opportunity to see Messi play with the club when facing Atlanta United FC in the final home game at Chase Stadium on Saturday but said he had not spoken to the player about his involvement.

«I'd love it. Imagine being