In the recent international break, Kaizer Chiefs star Edson Castillo came up against Lionel Messi, adding the Argentine icon to a list of world-class opponents he has come up against. Here's a look!
The story
Venezuela remain with a chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which would mark the nation's first-ever qualification for the tournament.
With the expansion of the competition from 32 to 48 teams, the South American side now have genuine hopes of qualifying, as six CONMEBOL country will earn a direct spot in the World Cup group stage.
Venezuela currently sit 8th in the World Cup qualifiers and should they finish seventh, they would earn the chance to qualify via a play-off. Castillo's nation are beaming with confidence after they drew 1-1 with the reigning world champions last week.
The Kaizer Chiefs star was brought on later in that match, where he made a little cameo against Messi's team.
Interestingly, he is now in a position to tell his teammates at Naturena what it's like sharing the pitch with arguably the best footballer of all time.
It was Amakhosi midfielder's first call-up to the national team since the March 2024 international break.
Although he made his Venezuela debut back in 2021 under former Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro, Castillo has made only 10 appearances for his national side, contributing a goal and an assist, as per Transfermarkt.
Coming up against a star-studded Argentina is no small feat but the 30-year-old is all too familir with facing world-recognised stars including Chelsea's Moises Caicedo and Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella.
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