Argentina Dominate Venezuela in Messi‘s Farewell – Player Ratings & Key Takeaways
Fort Lauderdale, FL – Lionel Messi capped off his final appearance on US soil with a two-goal performance as Argentina cruised to a comfortable victory over Venezuela. While the scoreline reflects dominance, a closer look at individual performances reveals the engine driving Argentina’s success. Here’s a breakdown of how each player fared:
Emiliano Martínez (7/10): A relatively quiet night for the goalkeeper, largely due to Venezuela’s limited attacking threat. Martínez was assured when called upon, demonstrating his command of the area and offering vocal guidance to his defenders.
Nahuel Molina (6/10): Initially contained by Venezuela’s packed defense,Molina found more space to operate in the second half,making a perilous run to the byline.A crucial pass into the box went unrewarded, highlighting a slight lack of support in the attacking third.Cristian Romero (8/10): A rock at the back, Romero expertly neutralized the threat of Salomón Rondón, denying him space to turn and dictate play. He handled the introduction of Josef Martínez with equal composure, consistently winning duels and providing a solid defensive foundation.
Nicolás Otamendi (8/10): The veteran defender showcased his experience and tactical awareness, diligently cutting out Venezuela’s advances through the middle. His growing partnership with Romero is proving increasingly effective, providing a commanding presence in the heart of defense.
Marcos Tagliafico (7/10): A constant outlet on the left flank, Tagliafico created a key chance early on, though his effort was thwarted by the goalkeeper. He consistently looked to overlap and provide width, offering a dynamic attacking option.
**Rodrigo De Paul (8/10):
