World champions Argentina secured a 1–0 victory over Venezuela in a friendly match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday, despite the absence of Lionel Messi.

Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso scored the only goal in the 31st minute, finishing off a fine build-up play involving Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Venezuelan goalkeeper José Contreras had no chance to stop the well-placed left-footed strike.

Messi, who did not feature in the game, watched from the stands as his teammates dominated from start to finish. Argentina controlled possession throughout, leaving Venezuela with little room to create chances.

Around 15,000 spectators attended the match at the 65,000-capacity stadium, enjoying Argentina’s composed and creative display.

The match marked Argentina’s first game of their Florida tour. They will face Puerto Rico in their second and final friendly next Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale. The match was originally scheduled to take place in Chicago but was moved due to recent U.S. immigration policy changes.

Bangladesh will take on Hong Kong-China tonight in a crucial Asian Cup qualifier that could decide their fate in the tournament. The match kicks off at 8 PM at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu National Stadium, where three points could mean the difference between hope and elimination.

For Javier Cabrera’s men, it’s nothing short of a “make-or-break” encounter. The 2-1 home defeat to Singapore still stings, especially after a confidence-boosting goalless draw against India. Despite the inclusion of foreign-based players Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Som, and Fahamedul Islam, the team failed to deliver the expected result.

The Spanish coach came under fire for his tactics and team selection after the Singapore loss, but he insists Bangladesh will return stronger with a renewed plan and mindset. Hong Kong, meanwhile, bring discipline in defense, speed in counterattacks, and physical strength. The squad features naturalized players from Brazil, Spain, Cameroon, Nigeria, France, Japan, and Scotland, giving them an international blend.

At the pre-match press conference, Cabrera said, “It was disappointing not to earn any points against Singapore, but we had good moments. We must learn from our mistakes—repeating them will cost us victory.” On Hong Kong’s strength, he added, “They’re similar to Singapore; the real difference lies in focus, and we must maintain ours.”

Defender Topu Barman remains doubtful with injury, while forward Al Amin is sidelined with a muscle strain, possibly opening the door for young striker Arman Faisal Akash. Canada-based Shamit Som joined training only a day before the match.

Under Cabrera, Bangladesh have won only three of their last ten matches, drawing two and losing five. Yet the coach remains optimistic. “Hamza, Shamit, Fahamedul, and Zayan have strengthened our depth. This is a fight for survival—we’ll give everything on the pitch,” he said.

Tonight will determine whether Bangladesh can rise to the occasion—or add another chapter to a history of near misses.