Lionel Messi returned to the Argentina national team for the first time since the Copa América final on July 14 in a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. However, it was no ordinary draw between the two South American nations.

Both groups of players were ready to continue the game before being informed that kick-off was delayed due to poor pitch conditions. The Estadio Monumental de Maturín was drenched in rain before the game, which filled the pitch with puddles and made it difficult to dribble with the ball or make a series of passes.

However, after a short delay, the game between Venezuela and the current world champions and Copa América winners continued as planned. Former Everton striker José Salomon Rondon found the net in the second half, canceling out Nicolás Otamendi’s first-half goal.

Argentina legend and captain Messi made it clear that the poor playing conditions limited the opportunities for him and his teammates on the pitch.

“It was very difficult, which leads to very ugly games. We couldn’t complete two passes in a row. In the second half we played a little more on the right side, but it’s difficult to play like that. There is very little playing,” the 37-year-old told TyC Sports after the game.

“We drew because the field didn’t help us do what we wanted. We had to play a different game than the one we were prepared for. But we were prepared because we fought, won the battles and played with the rival’s mistakes,” Messi continued. “We couldn’t risk much by playing passes backwards. In the first half we made a few passes backwards and the water stopped it and made it complicated. We played with the water as best we could.”

While an Argentine team will be disappointed with the draw, Lionel Scaloni’s side still sit top of the South American World Cup qualifying table with 19 points from nine games. La Albiceleste will now turn their focus to the game against Bolivia on October 15 at the famous Estadio Mâs Monumental, home of Argentine club River Plate.

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