CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying is back underway and Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad for the first time since the Copa America. Messi injured his ankle in the final of that match against Colombia, but now with another trophy in hand, the world’s top team aims to keep up their form. Entering this window, Argentina maintain a slim two-point advantage atop the WCQ table heading into matches against Venezuela and Bolivia. For La Vinotinto, they sit sixth in the table only beating Brazil due to goal difference. A stout defense has been keeping them afloat but goals are needed.
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Thursday, Oct. | Time: 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Estadio Monumental de Maturin — Maturin, Venezuela
- Live stream: Fanatiz
- Odds: Venezuela +625; Draw +305; Argentina -210
Storylines
Venezuela: With three draws in their last five matches, Venezuela will want to begin turning those into wins. It’s something that’s easier said than done facing Argentina but there are reasons for Venezuela to have confidence in themselves. After just drawing Uruguay at home, Venezuela have only allowed five goals in their last five matches. Four of them were at altitude in Bolivia and the other came against Canada in the United States. Defensively, this is a team that’s hard unlock for anyone in the world, even Argentina.
Argentina: It’s rare for Argentina to need to bounce back from losses but being able to do so with Messi back in the lineup should make things easier. The squad has gotten healthier and the team defense will always provide a challenge for any side but the gravitational pull that Messi’s presence has is massive. Not only is he able to create his own chances but also making more space for his teammates leads to a free-flowing attack which should be able to lead Argentina to victory.
Prediction
Messi will find the back of the net while the defense offers plenty of protection to make a narrow victory look easy. Pick: Venezuela 0, Argentina 2
