Fri Oct 11 08:02:39 UTC 2024: ## Messi Returns to Argentina Squad in Uneven Draw Against Venezuela
**Buenos Aires, Argentina** – Lionel Messi’s return to the Argentina national team was marked by a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Venezuela in a match plagued by poor field conditions.
Argentina took the lead early, with Nicolás Otamendi pushing the ball into the net around the 13th minute. However, Venezuela rallied and equalized in the 65th minute thanks to a stunning play by Soteldo, setting up Salomón Rondón for the goal.
Despite the less than ideal playing surface, the match provided a glimpse of the potential of the new-look Argentina squad under Lionel Scaloni. Messi’s presence was felt throughout the game, but his influence was hampered by the challenging conditions. The draw leaves Argentina with one point in their first qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.
First Piper 