the Top Ten Argentina vs Venezuela Matches in the 21st Century by importance and drama rather than chronology:
1. Venezuela 1–0 Argentina (2011, World Cup Qualifier, Puerto La Cruz)
Why #1? Historic. Venezuela’s first-ever victory over Argentina. Amorebieta’s header stunned the footballing world and marked Venezuela’s emergence as a competitive force in South America.
Impact: A turning point in Venezuelan football history.
2. Argentina 3–0 Venezuela (2022, World Cup Qualifier, Buenos Aires)
Why #2? Lionel Messi’s farewell home qualifier before Qatar 2022. The Monumental was a festival, with Messi scoring to cap the night.
Impact: Symbolic—Messi celebrated Argentina’s Copa América and Finalissima trophies with fans.
3. Argentina 4–1 Venezuela (2016, Copa América Centenario Quarterfinal, USA)
Why #3? Messi at his peak. He scored and assisted twice, propelling Argentina to the semis. Venezuela had spirit but were outclassed.
Impact: Reinforced Argentina’s Copa ambitions and Messi’s dominance.
4. Argentina 4–0 Venezuela (2007, Copa América Quarterfinal, Venezuela)
Why #4? Ruthless dismantling of hosts Venezuela in their first home Copa. Riquelme, Messi, and Tevez shone.
Impact: A reality check for Venezuela on the continental stage.
5. Venezuela 2–2 Argentina (2008, World Cup Qualifier, San Cristóbal)
Why #5? One of Venezuela’s bravest displays. Twice they pushed Argentina back and salvaged a point.
Impact: Symbolized Venezuela’s rise from minnows to respectable qualifiers.
6. Argentina 3–1 Venezuela (2019, Copa América Quarterfinal, Brazil)
Why #6? Lautaro MartĂnez and Lo Celso powered Argentina past a much-improved Venezuela side.
Impact: Showed Argentina’s transitional squad could still handle knockout pressure.
7. Venezuela 1–3 Argentina (2021, World Cup Qualifier, Caracas)
Why #7? Argentina’s first qualifier after Copa América glory. Correa brothers and Lautaro starred.
Impact: New champion mentality—Argentina played with swagger.
8. Argentina 2–0 Venezuela (2017, World Cup Qualifier, Buenos Aires)
Why #8? A frustrating night for Argentina, needing results to secure Russia 2018. Venezuela shocked with Murillo’s opener, before Icardi rescued a point.
Impact: Highlighted Argentina’s shaky road to World Cup 2018.
9. Argentina 4–0 Venezuela (2012, Friendly in Kolkata, India)
Why #9? Historic venue: Messi in India, dazzling a packed Salt Lake Stadium. He scored and assisted in a 4-0 spectacle.
Impact: Expanded Argentina and Messi’s global fan reach.
10. Argentina 3–2 Venezuela (2000, World Cup Qualifier, Maracaibo)
Why #10? Early 21st-century thriller. Crespo and Ortega scored, but Juan Arango kept Venezuela alive until the end.
Impact: Showed Venezuela’s fighting spirit even before their rise.
âš˝ Final Take
For Argentina fans: The highlights are Messi’s farewell in 2022 and his Centenario masterclass in 2016.
For Venezuela fans: The unforgettable 2011 win remains their crowning moment.
For neutrals: This fixture has evolved from a predictable Argentina win to a contest carrying genuine drama and history.
