Wed Oct 16 00:04:57 UTC 2024: ## Messi Returns, but Rain Drenches Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying Draw

**Maturín, Venezuela** – Lionel Messi made his return to the Argentine national team on Thursday, but a rain-soaked pitch and a determined Venezuelan side forced the reigning World Cup champions to settle for a 1-1 draw in a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina took an early lead through Nicolás Otamendi’s goal in the 13th minute, but Venezuela equalized in the 65th minute through a header from Salomón Rondón. The match was marred by the poor playing conditions, with the field at the Monumental Stadium of Maturín severely waterlogged.

“The truth is that it was very difficult to play like that,” Messi admitted after the match. “The pitch was not in good condition for play.” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni echoed those sentiments, adding that the game had become “very ugly, very tight.”

The challenging conditions impacted both teams’ ability to control the ball, with Messi himself missing several opportunities. Despite the draw, Argentina remains atop the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 19 points.

“Unfortunately we had to adapt to these circumstances, and we couldn’t take the three points,” said Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul.

Argentina’s travel plans were also affected by Hurricane Milton and Venezuelan travel restrictions, forcing them to make a layover in Colombia before arriving in Maturín.

Messi and Argentina will look to bounce back on Tuesday when they host Bolivia in Buenos Aires. Messi is excited to play in front of his home crowd again.

“I’m happy to be playing in Argentina again on Tuesday,” he said.

Read More