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Messi Watches as Argentina Edge Venezuela 1-0 in Miami Friendly
MIAMI — Argentina extended its unbeaten streak under coach Lionel Scaloni with a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in an international friendly at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, October 10, 2025.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The winning goal came in the first half from midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, giving Argentina an early lead they would hold for the remainder of the match. The game provided a chance for players to fine-tune their form ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures.
Lionel Messi, still recovering from an ankle injury, did not play but watched the match from a luxury box alongside his family. The Argentine captain later joined the team’s celebrations after the final whistle, applauding his teammates’ performance.
Enzo Fernández, in particular, stood out in midfield, completing 101 of 111 passes and creating several key scoring opportunities. His commanding presence and precise distribution drew praise from fans and analysts alike.
Argentina dominated possession throughout the match, with quick passing and organized defense limiting Venezuela’s chances. Despite several attempts from the visiting team, Argentina’s backline held firm, ensuring the clean sheet.
The match also offered Scaloni an opportunity to assess squad depth and experiment with tactical setups. Young players gained valuable minutes, and the coach emphasized teamwork and discipline in post-match comments.
“This was a good test for us,” Scaloni said after the game. “We controlled the match, created chances, and gave some players the opportunity to show their qualities. Everyone worked hard, and it’s always important to maintain focus even in friendlies.”
Venezuela struggled to find rhythm against a structured Argentine side. Their forwards were unable to convert opportunities, and the team will look to build on lessons from this friendly as they prepare for future competitions.
Fans in Miami cheered enthusiastically, creating a lively atmosphere in the stadium. Many spectators expressed excitement at seeing Messi in person, even though he did not take the field. Social media was flooded with photos and videos of the Argentine legend applauding his teammates from the stands.
Argentina now turns its attention to upcoming qualifiers and international fixtures. The team’s unbeaten run under Scaloni continues to generate optimism among fans, particularly with key players showing consistent form. Lo Celso’s goal and Fernández’s midfield mastery highlight the squad’s depth beyond the superstars.
“Even without Messi playing, the team showed great character,” a supporter said after the match. “It’s reassuring to see younger players stepping up and performing at a high level.”
The friendly also serves as preparation for Argentina’s long-term plans, allowing the coach to experiment with formations, rotations, and player combinations in a less pressured environment. Analysts note that maintaining winning momentum, even in non-competitive games, is vital for team morale and cohesion.
With Messi recovering and likely returning to action in the coming weeks, Argentina appears well-positioned to maintain its winning streak. The blend of experienced players and emerging talent could make the team a formidable force in upcoming international tournaments.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has defended the presence of its officials at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention, describing it as part of normal diplomatic engagement.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is free to join the ruling party at any time he chooses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, stressing that membership of the APC is voluntary and not forced on anyone.
According to him, Wike remains at liberty to decide his political future, and there is no obligation for appointees to formally join the ruling party before serving in government.
“If he wants to join the APC, he is free. We don’t compel people to join; they do so willingly,” he said.
He added that cross-party appointments are not new in Nigeria’s political history, noting that past administrations also appointed members of opposition parties into key positions.
Yilwatda cited examples such as Bala Mohammed and Adamu Aliero, who served as ministers under PDP governments despite being affiliated with other parties at the time.
He questioned the criticism directed at President Bola Tinubu over Wike’s appointment, arguing that similar decisions were taken by previous administrations without controversy.
The APC chairman also pointed to other non-APC members serving in the current government, saying Wike should not be singled out.
He further stated that Wike obtained approval from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before accepting the ministerial appointment in 2023.
Yilwatda maintained that President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate openness by appointing individuals across party lines based on competence.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) approved the appointment of Nyesom Wike as a minister in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Yilwatda made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat in Abuja, while addressing questions about Wike’s continued membership of the PDP despite serving in an APC-led government.
He explained that the appointment was not unusual, noting that past administrations had also appointed opposition members into ministerial positions.
According to him, former ministers such as Bala Mohammed and Adamu Aliero served under PDP-led governments despite their party affiliations at the time.
“President Jonathan discovered Bala Mohammed was good enough and brought him from ANPP,” he said.
“Aliero was also appointed by President Yar’Adua from ANPP because of his experience,” he added.
Yilwatda argued that criticism of President Tinubu over Wike’s appointment was unfair, insisting it followed past political precedents.
He also cited other opposition figures currently serving in the government, saying the focus on Wike alone was selective.
The APC chairman further claimed that Wike formally notified the PDP National Working Committee in 2023 before accepting the ministerial appointment, and that the party gave its approval.
“Wike wrote the National Working Committee of the PDP before he took the appointment,” he said.
“The National Working Committee approved that he should come and serve.”
Yilwatda maintained that Wike’s position in the current administration was with the consent of the PDP, not solely the APC.
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