Gio Lo Celso grabbed the only goal as Argentina eased to a 1-0 win over Venezuela in a rather drab international friendly held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The reigning World Cup champions were a little languid as the game wore on in the absence of Lionel Messi, who was rested, but did enough in the first half to secure a narrow win.

The Albiceleste enjoyed a positive start in the first half. Nico Paz, handed a place in the starting XI by manager Lionel Scaloni after a fine few months for Como, pulled the strings, and was unfortunate not to score – pinging a shot off the post. They continued to push, and were eventually good value for the opener. A loose ball fell to the feet of Lautaro Martinez, who fed Lo Celso. His shot was poor, but it deflected off the goalkeeper and into goal in the 31st minute. 

Argentina had further chances in the second half. Julian Alvarez had a couple of looks denied. Martinez got more involved in the attack. But they were otherwise slightly off pace in key areas, and missing a final ball as Venezuela sat in. La Vinotinto had their moments, though. They offered some attacking threat late on and cracked a shot off the bar. Scaloni’s side struggled as they rotated, their attacking threat diminished as they missed Messi’s impetus. Martinez thought he had sealed it late on, but was denied by a remarkable double save to keep the scoreline close. 

GOAL rates Argentina’s players from Hard Rock Stadium…