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After a long break, Argentina are back in football as they welcome Venezuela tomorrow in the World Cup Qualifiers. The World Champions are in fantastic form and have already qualified for the next World Cup. The result against Venezuela won’t make any difference, yet this match is very special for the Albiceleste fans.
Lionel Messi, the greatest footballer of all time, may play his last game in Argentina, as they do not have any further home games before the World Cup. “It’s going to be a very, very special match for me because it’s the last qualifying match,” Messi said a few days ago. “I don’t know if there will be friendlies or more matches after [Venezuela], but it is a very special match, so my family will be there with me: my wife, my children, my parents, my siblings. We’re going to live it like that. I don’t know what will happen next,” Lionel Messi stated.
Although it is not confirmed whether it will be Messi’s last game in Argentina, manager Lionel Scaloni also commented on the matter. The manager said, “From what Leo said, it’s going to be a special match, emotional, beautiful. If it’s true that it will be his last here in the Qualifiers, we have to enjoy it and I’m going to be the first. It’s a pleasure to have him and we hope that the people who will go to the stadium and he himself enjoy it because he deserves it.”
No matter what, Argentina will likely to continue their dominance in the World Cup Qualifiers. The Albiceleste earned 35 points from 16 qualifying games and 10 points clear of their closest rivals, Ecuador and Brazil. But Venezuela desperately need a win to play in the CONMEBOL. Venezuela currently stand in 7th with 18 points, only one point ahead of Bolivia. So every single point is very crucial for Venezuela.
Team News
Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Messi will play against Venezuela from the start. Enzo Fernandez is in great form this season with Chelsea, but the Argentine midfielder will miss the match due to a suspension. Lisandro Martinez is also unavailable due to an injury, but Nicholas Otamendi has returned and is ready to pair up with Cristian Romero at the heart of Argentina’s defense.
As for Venezuela, Jose Contreras is out of the squad due to an injury. Rafael Romo is likely to continue between the posts, while Yangel Herrera is also unavailable.
Possible Lineup for Argentina:
E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, L Martinez, Paz
Possible Lineup Venezuela:
Romo; Aramburu, Navarro, Angel, Ferraresi; J Martinez, Casseres, Bello; D Martinez, Rondon, Soteldo
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela
This game is very special for the entire nation, as it might be the last game for Lionel Messi in Argentina. The team will try its best to give a great win to Messi. Apart from this, Argentina have been in great form and have won four of their last five qualifiers and tied the remaining one. Meanwhile, Venezuela lost three of their previous five games in the qualifiers. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a difficult match for the World Champions.
Betfair Odds
Argentina: 1.22
Draw: 6.12
Venezuela: 12.54
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