Argentina vs Venezuela
International friendly
Venue: Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid
Kick-off: 8pm GMT, tonight
Lionel Messi makes his international return tonight as Argentina take on Venezeula in Madrid.
Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano plays host as the Barcelona star represents his country for the first time since La Albiceleste’s dismal World Cup campaign.
Lionel Scaloni, who succeeded Jorge Sampaoli following that disastrous campaign in Russia, leads the rebuild but there is no room for Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain, currently on loan at Chelsea.
Messi has scored 39 times in 37 appearances for Barcelona this season – Argentina could do with that sort of form at this summer’s Copa America.
Team news
Angel di Maria has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to a muscular problem and with Aguero, Higuain and Mauro Icardi not in the squad (again), Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez is set to lead the line.
Tottenham defender Juan Foyth is also set to start as part of a back three while West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini is likely to be named on the bench.
Newcastle’s Salomon Rondon could feature Venezuela alongside Atlanta United’s talented Josef Martinez.
Argentina team to face Venezuela: Armani; Gonzalo Montiel, Mercado, Foyth, Lisandro Martinez, Tagliafico; Parades, Lo Celsco; Messi, Lautaro, Pity Martinez
Score prediction: Argentina 2-0 Venezuela
Venezuela are not to be underestimated but it should be a winning return to the international picture for Messi.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Argentina to win: 2/7
- Venezuela to win: 19/2
- Draw: 4/1
First goalscorer odds
- Lionel Messi: 2/1
- Lautaro Martinez: 11/4
- Paulo Dybala: 7/2
- Salomon Rondon: 9/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will not be available to watch live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog, with our Spanish football correspondent Ben Hayward at the Wanda Metropolitano.
