Why Messi Didn’t Play Against Venezuela

Argentina was the first Latin American team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, the Albiceleste lost to Ecuador in the final World Cup qualifier. The defending world champions returned to the field for the first time since their defeat on September 10 in Ecuador.

On Saturday morning (October 11), Argentina took to the field against Venezuela in a FIFA international friendly match at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium without Lionel Messi. However, despite the team's lifeblood being missing, Lionel Scaloni's men left the field with a 1-0 victory thanks to Giovani Lo Celso's only goal.

The indication that Lionel Messi would not play against Venezuela was already there before the match. It was confirmed a few hours before the match started. But the fans did not expect that he would not be in the squad either. So everyone was curious about why Messi did not play in this match.

Coach Lionel Scaloni said in the press conference before the Venezuela match, "We spoke to him (Messi), these matches are an opportunity to test something else." The same question was raised in the press conference after the match, but Scaloni made it clear, "It was my decision not to play."

Meanwhile, Messi is having a busy time in the United States' Major League Soccer (MLS). The Argentine superstar has had to play 6 matches for Inter Miami in the last 21 days. The coaching staff members felt that he was a bit tired in the national team's training. That is why Scaloni did not play him against Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Messi's club Inter Miami is facing Atalanta in a Major League Soccer match within 24 hours of the end of the Argentina match. The match will start at 5:30 am Bangladesh time. Even though he may not be playing for the national team, the Argentine superstar could be seen on the field for the Florida club.