(Photo by Luis ROBAYO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)

Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Argentina vs Venezuela?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 6:56 PM ET

Highlights

Lionel Messi is not part of the Argentina starting XI vs Venezuela
Argentina will play with a slightly rotated team vs Venezuela
Lionel Scaloni hinted that Messi would not start vs Venezuela

Argentina is set to play a friendly match against Venezuela at Hard Rock Stadium. Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, called up many players from the past Argentina squads in the previous World Cup qualifier matches.

Scaloni called up Lionel Messi despite Argentina playing two friendly matches against Venezuela and Puerto Rico this week. Despite calling him up, Scaloni did not start Lionel Messi against Venezuela.

Gaston Edul reported earlier today that Argentina's attack will be a front three of Nico Paz, Lautaro Martínez, and Julián Álvarez. All three players have been used under Scaloni during the World Cup qualifiers, but never started together.

Messi last played for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Venezuela in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. The Argentine star scored a brace against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental.

Is Lionel Messi Injured?

Lionel Messi is not injured as the Argentine star was part of the training sessions this week with the rest of the Argentina National Team. Messi was with the national team this week and Scaloni did not assure that he would start vs Venezuela.

Scaloni mentioned the importance of the friendly matches to look at other players who have not been called up as much as others players.

Due to Scaloni's lineup vs Venezuela, it is assumed that Messi will be rested for this match to allow other players to get a chance to play for the national team.

More speculation assumes that Messi will be free to play for Inter Miami tomorrow in the MLS against Atlanta United at Chase Stadium.

According to Bola VIP, Messi reportedly left the Argentina national team camp before the match against Venezuela to join the Inter Miami team for tomorrow's MLS match against Atlanta United.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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