This Friday at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español will broadcast a new chapter between Argentina and Venezuela. It’s a matchup rich in history, revenge, and high stakes—even if it’s just a friendly.

An Unforgettable Night at the Monumental

The last time these two teams met was on September 4 at El Monumental in Buenos Aires, during the penultimate round of the qualifiers. Argentina had already secured its spot, while Venezuela was fighting to stay alive with 18 points, just one above Bolivia.
But that night had only one star: Lionel Messi. It was his final official match on Argentine soil wearing the albiceleste shirt, and he said goodbye in the most fitting way—through pure magic.

A pass from Julián Álvarez set up Messi, who chipped the ball over the Venezuelan defenders to score the opener. Minutes later, Lautaro Martínez extended the lead with a diving header, and Thiago Almada assisted “La Pulga” for the third. Final score: 3–0 and a roaring ovation at the Monumental.

Two Paths, One Big Test

For Venezuela, that night marked the beginning of the end. In the following round, they lost at home to Colombia, missing out on a World Cup berth by just two points. After the elimination, the federation dismissed coach Fernando “Bocha” Batista and appointed Oswaldo Vizcarrondo as interim manager. A former player for Nantes, Troyes, and Rosario Central, Vizcarrondo brings a modern approach shaped by his time in France, hoping to usher in a new era for Venezuelan football.

Of the squad called up for this match, only two players compete in the domestic league—both from Deportivo La Guaira—while the rest play abroad, including Telasco Segovia, who currently shares a locker room with Messi at Inter Miami.

On the Argentine side, Lionel Scaloni is sticking with continuity: the reigning champions with few changes and, of course, Messi leading the attack.

Venezuela wants to prove that a new chapter has begun. Argentina, on the other hand, aims to show that no transition will be enough to stop them—especially with Messi on the field.

Where to Watch

Argentina vs. Venezuela — This Friday at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT, LIVE on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español.