Preview for Argentina v Venezuela
It has been an incredible rise to prominence over the past 20 months for Franco Mastantuono, and yet there is one moment that he claims stands out from the rest: when he got to wear Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt for Argentina.
Mastantuono was granted the honour in Argentina’s final World Cup qualifier against Ecuador last month. He started the game on the bench but entered the fray 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 have it,” he said, prior to Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela in Miami tomorrow night.
“I entered the locker room and it caught me by surprise. It was a great pleasure to wear the shirt of the greatest of all, which is Leo, and of so many historical players, such as Diego [Maradona].
“It was the best thing that has happened to me in my career. I didn’t expect it. When I see a photo with that 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 living is incredible. Being at Real Madrid and in the national team is the dream of every soccer player and I am enjoying it a lot,” he said.
“I’m young, I can improve a lot and that evolution is going well. I feel happy.”
Although he would love to wear the number 10 again tomorrow, the expectation is that Messi will start the game in his adopted city before making way.
Mastantuono may replace him as the number 10 when Argentina face Puerto Rico on Tuesday with Messi expected to be rested ahead of a hectic schedule for club side Inter Miami.
Argentina eased through the Conmebol section of World Cup qualifying, finishing top, and appear well set to defend the crown they claimed in Qatar three years ago.
Venezuela won’t be joining them in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year after squandering the opportunity to grab South America’s ticket to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. They led Colombia on the final matchday only to lose 6-3 and be pipped by Bolivia.
Team News for Argentina v Venezuela
Lionel Scaloni is expected to start the match with a near full-strength side but then give most of his squad opportunities to impress.
Venezuela, under the interim charge of former youth team coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, have named a young squad as they look forward to the next World Cup cycle. Veterans Salomon Rondon and Tomas Rincon were left out.
Predicted line-ups for Argentina v Venezuela
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi; Alvarez
Venezuela: Graterol; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Vivas, Milani; Anor, Segovia, Casseres, Bueno; Bolivar, Kelsy
How to watch Argentina v Venezuela: TV and online streams
Argentina versus Venezuela kicks off at 8pm ET. In the US, you can watch it on beIN SPORTS USA and beIN SPORTS in Spanish. It is also available through platforms such as fuboTV, Sling TV and Fanatiz USA.
It is not being shown in the UK.
Stats for Argentina v Venezuela
- Argentina met Venezuela last month in World Cup qualifying, Messi scoring twice in a 3-0 win
- Venezuela did hold Argentina to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture 12 months ago, however
Prediction for Argentina v Venezuela
It seems a mighty task for Venezuela to face a full-strength Argentina side, especially without some of their experienced players.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
