Jose contreras

Argentina Football Team: Even without Lionel Messi on the field, Argentina showed their depth and control as they eased past Venezuela 1-0 in an international friendly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday.

A slick first-half strike from Giovani Lo Celso was enough to hand the reigning world champions a comfortable win in front of a modest crowd of around 15,000 in the 65,000-capacity venue.

Messi, who missed the match as a precaution after recent muscle tightness, watched from the stands as his teammates produced a composed display that rarely saw them troubled. Argentina’s attack, led by Julian Alvarez and *Lautaro Martínez, looked sharp and inventive throughout, while fullback Nahuel Molina impressed with his relentless energy on the right flank.