Preview of the Argentina vs Venezuela match
Franco Mastantuono has enjoyed an incredible rise over the past 20 months, and yet there is one moment that he says stands out above the rest: when he got to wear Lionel Messi’s number 10 jersey for Argentina.
Mastantuono received the honor during Argentina’s final World Cup qualifier against Ecuador last month. He started the match on the bench but came on just after the hour mark and he admits wearing the number 10 was a very special honour.
“I didn’t know I was going to get it,” he said ahead of Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela in Miami tomorrow night.
“I walked into the locker room and it took me by surprise. It was a great pleasure to wear the jersey of the greatest of them all, who is Leo, and of so many historic players, like Diego. [Maradona].
“It’s the best thing that’s happened to me in my career. I didn’t expect it. When I see a photo with this shirt, I get excited. It’s a nice pressure to wear that number; It was always my number.
Mastantuono has gone from River Plate debutant to Real Madrid star since January 2024 and even he can’t believe his progression.
“The moment I’m experiencing is incredible. Being at Real Madrid and in the national team is every footballer’s dream and I’m enjoying it a lot,” he said.
“I’m young, I can improve a lot and this development is going well. I feel happy.”
Although he would love to wear the number 10 again tomorrow, Messi is expected to start the match in his adopted city before giving up his place.
Mastantuono could replace him as number 10 when Argentina face Puerto Rico on Tuesday, with Messi expected to be rested ahead of a busy schedule for club Inter Miami.
Argentina eased through the Conmebol section of World Cup qualifying, finishing first, and look set to defend the crown they won in Qatar three years ago.
Venezuela will not join them in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year after missing the chance to punch South America’s ticket to the FIFA play-offs. They led Colombia on the final day, but lost 6-3 and were edged out by Bolivia.
Team news for Argentina vs Venezuela
Lionel Scaloni is expected to start the match with an almost full squad, but will then give most of his team chances to impress.
Venezuela, under the caretaker charge of former youth team coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, has named a young team looking forward to the next World Cup cycle. Veterans Salomon Rondon and Tomas Rincon were left out.
Predicted lineup for Argentina vs Venezuela
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernández; Messi; Alvarez
Venezuela: Graterol; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Vivas, Milani; Anor, Segovia, Casseres, Bueno; Bolivar, Kelsy
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela: TV and online streams
Argentina vs. Venezuela kicks off at 8 p.m. ET. In the United States, you can watch it on beIN SPORTS USA and beIN SPORTS in Spanish. It is also available on platforms such as fuboTV, Sling TV and Fanatiz USA.
It is not broadcast in the UK.
Statistics for the Argentina vs Venezuela match
- Argentina met Venezuela last month in World Cup qualifying, with Messi scoring twice in a 3-0 win.
- Venezuela, however, held Argentina to a 1-1 draw in the second leg 12 months ago.
Prediction for the Argentina vs Venezuela match
It seems like it will be a tough task for Venezuela to face a full Argentine team, especially without some of their experienced players.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
