Argentina defeated Venezuela by a lone goal, even with the absence of their star player Lionel Messi, in a friendly match played at the Miami Hard Rock Stadium. 

Giovani Lo Celso’s neatly executed goal in the 31st minute sealed victory for the reigning world champions in front of a modest crowd of about 15,000 spectators at the 65,000-capacity stadium.

Inter Miami star Messi looked on from the stands as the Albiceleste eased to victory without ever being seriously tested by Venezuela.

Argentina forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez looked threatening throughout, while fullback Nahuel Molina also impressed. Alvarez and Martinez were involved in Argentina's winner, combining deftly to set up Lo Celso, who beat Venezuela goalkeeper Jose Contreras with a crisp left-footed shot.

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The match is the first of two friendlies Argentina are playing in Florida during the international break. The world champions will play Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale next Tuesday in a game that was moved from Chicago's Soldier Field earlier this week amid an ongoing US government crackdown on immigrants.

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