Messi’s Return Falls Short as Argentina Held to 1-1 Draw by Venezuela in Rainy World Cup Qualifier

Lionel Messi’s comeback to international football saw Argentina draw 1-1 with Venezuela in a rain-soaked World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Messi, fully recovered from his previous injury, provided a brilliant assist for Nicolás Otamendi to score the opener just 13 minutes in, after a delayed start due to heavy rain.

Despite dominating early, Argentina’s momentum was disrupted by the waterlogged pitch. Venezuelan striker Salomón Rondón leveled the score in the second half with a powerful header from Yeferson Soteldo’s cross. Gerónimo Rulli, standing in for suspended goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, made several crucial saves but couldn’t keep out Rondón’s equalizer.

Argentina pushed for a late winner, bringing on Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martínez, but the difficult conditions hindered their efforts. Messi and other players expressed frustration with the poor pitch quality after the game.

With the draw, Argentina remains top of the standings with 19 points, while Venezuela climbs to sixth with 11 points. Argentina will next face Bolivia, while Venezuela travels to Paraguay.