Argentina Clash with Venezuela: Bold Predictions, Key Lineups, and What to Expect
Argentina welcomes Venezuela for their concluding home match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, aiming to cap off a triumphant run with another win.
The primary focus centers on what could be Lionel Messi's final official appearance for Argentina on domestic territory. Messi, who holds the record for most goals in CONMEBOL qualifying history, will receive an enormous reception from the Argentine supporters.
La Albiceleste secured their World Cup berth early and currently maintain a commanding 10-point advantage at the summit of the table. Venezuela, however, faces a completely different scenario.
La Vinotinto enters what could be the two most crucial matches in their nation's football history during this international window. Fernando Batista's team presently occupies seventh position, which grants access to an intercontinental playoff for World Cup qualification—a milestone Venezuela has never reached. They hold a slender one-point margin over Bolivia.
With Argentina prepared to honor Messi in his farewell performance, the match carries enormous significance for the visiting team.
Here's Sports Illustrated's comprehensive preview for Argentina vs. Venezuela.
What Time Does Argentina vs. Venezuela Kick-Off?
Argentina vs. Venezuela Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Argentina | Venezuela |
|---|---|
Argentina 1–1 Colombia - 6/10/25 | Uruguay 2–0 Venezuela - 6/10/25 |
Chile 0–1 Argentina - 6/5/25 | Venezuela 2–0 Bolivia - 6/6/25 |
Argentina 4–1 Brazil - 3/25/25 | Venezuela 1–0 Peru - 3/25/25 |
Uruguay 0–1 Argentina - 3/21/25 | Ecuador 2–1 Venezuela - 3/18/25 |
Argentina 1–0 Peru - 11/18/25 | USMNT 3–1 Venezuela - 1/18/25 |
How to Watch Argentina vs. Venezuela on TV
Country | TV Channel / Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Peacock, UNIVERSO, Telemundo, ViX, Fubo TV |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports 1 |
Mexico | ViX Premium, Amazon Prime Video |
Argentina Team News
It promises to be a memorable night at River Plate's Estadio Monumental, with nearly 100,000 supporters expected to witness Lionel Messi's last competitive international appearance on Argentine soil.
Having already secured their World Cup qualification, Lionel Scaloni's team will aim to conclude their qualifying campaign in style. However, the occasion will undoubtedly feel like a tribute to a player who has contributed immensely to Argentina over the past twenty years.
Scaloni will probably field the same defensive quartet he used in the World Cup final almost three years ago. Emiliano Martínez, following his failed transfer attempt from Aston Villa, will guard the goal.
In the middle of the park, Enzo Fernández will be absent from both of Argentina's upcoming fixtures due to suspension. Alexis Mac Allister missed his flight to Argentina earlier this week, but should still claim his regular spot in the starting eleven despite missing two training sessions.
Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Venezuela
Argentina predicted lineup vs. Venezuela (4-3-3): Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister; Messi, Martínez, Álvarez
Venezuela Team News
Despite being considered the underdog, Venezuela will be extremely determined to achieve an upset victory with their maiden World Cup qualification hanging in the balance.
Real Oviedo forward and Venezuelan icon Salomón Rondón will undoubtedly spearhead the attack and will be keen to add to his impressive tally of 45 international goals.
Supporting Rondón, Inter Miami's Telasco Segovia might be selected to face his club teammates. Yeferson Soteldo and Jefferson Savarino could also receive starting opportunities.
Rafael Romo will take his place between the posts, replacing the injured José Contreras.
Venezuela Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina
Venezuela predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-2-3-1): Romo; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Ángel, Navarro; Casseres, Pereira; Savarino, Segovia, Soteldo; Rondón
Argentina vs. Venezuela Score Prediction
Argentina will be driven to ensure Messi's final official match wearing La Albiceleste's colors at the Monumental becomes a memorable occasion.
Venezuela would probably be satisfied with a draw from this encounter and will be content to defend deep while looking for counter-attacking opportunities. Nevertheless, Scaloni's squad possesses far superior quality to be neutralized, particularly in midfield where there's a significant talent gap.
Argentina will discover a breakthrough, Messi will find the net, leaving Venezuela to battle for qualification in their remaining fixture.
Prediction: Argentina 3–0 Venezuela