03:18Spain: Venezuela coach welcomes Messi test
Venezuela head coach Rafael Dudamel said facing Lionel Messi would be a great test for his squad ahead of their friendly match with Argentina on Friday night.
"The inclusion, waited by you for so long, the Argentinians, and for all of us as members of the football world, of Lionel [Messi] makes the level of demand much higher," Dudamel said at a pre-match press conference in Madrid on Thursday.
Messi will make his return to the national side for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.
With one eye on preparations for this year's Copa America, the Venezuela boss hoped his 'golden generation' would achieve their full potential.
"This is one of the best generations we had in our history," Dudamel explained.
"We have waited for so long for this moment in which our players would be in the best leagues, in spaces of really high level with roles we hope that will be more important. And [we want] this to translate into the national team."
03:18Venezuela head coach Rafael Dudamel said facing Lionel Messi would be a great test for his squad ahead of their friendly match with Argentina on Friday night.
"The inclusion, waited by you for so long, the Argentinians, and for all of us as members of the football world, of Lionel [Messi] makes the level of demand much higher," Dudamel said at a pre-match press conference in Madrid on Thursday.
Messi will make his return to the national side for the first time since the 2018 World Cup.
With one eye on preparations for this year's Copa America, the Venezuela boss hoped his 'golden generation' would achieve their full potential.
"This is one of the best generations we had in our history," Dudamel explained.
"We have waited for so long for this moment in which our players would be in the best leagues, in spaces of really high level with roles we hope that will be more important. And [we want] this to translate into the national team."