Fri Oct 11 02:43:32 UTC 2024: ## Messi Returns, But Argentina Held to Draw in Rain-Soaked Venezuela

**MATURIN, Venezuela** – Lionel Messi’s return to international duty for Argentina was met with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Venezuela in a rain-soaked World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Messi, who had recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final, assisted Nicolas Otamendi to open the scoring in the 13th minute. However, the match, delayed by half an hour due to heavy rain, was played on a waterlogged pitch, making it difficult for Argentina to control the ball.

Venezuela, determined to secure a result, equalised in the second half through Salomon Rondon, who headed in a cross from Yeferson Soteldo. The goal moved Venezuela temporarily into sixth place in the standings with 11 points.

Despite bringing on Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez in the final minutes, Argentina failed to find a winner, leaving Messi frustrated with the playing conditions.

“It was an ugly match,” Messi told TyC Sports. “We couldn’t even string two passes together, the ball kept stopping because of the water on the pitch. It’s hard to play in these conditions, the pitch didn’t help.”

Argentina remain atop the standings with 19 points, but will look to bounce back against Bolivia on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Venezuela will travel to Paraguay.

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