Argentina 1-0 Venezuela: Lo Celso gets world champions back to winning ways

Giovani Lo Celso scored the only goal as Argentina got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Venezuela.

The Real Betis midfielder was on target in the 31st minute at Hard Rock Stadium, where Lionel Scaloni’s side edged out La Vinotinto in a friendly.

Argentina, who were without Lionel Messi and after defeat by Ecuador in their final match of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying section last time out, made a purposeful start in Miami.

Lautaro Martinez went close with a half-volley early on, while Nico Paz saw a long-range effort tipped onto the post by Venezuela goalkeeper Jose Contreras.

Alejandro Marques squandered a golden opportunity for Oswaldo Vizcarrondo’s side when he headed Gleiker Mendoza’s deep cross wide, and it proved costly with Lo Celso rounding off a swift counter by drilling home within a minute.

The world champions survived a scare when Teo Quintero rattled the crossbar in the 74th minute and, despite Contreras denying Martinez on several occasions, they held out for a narrow victory.