Venezuela, Oct 11, V7N- Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier, marking Lionel Messi’s return to international duty. Messi, now 37 and fully recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia in July, showed his brilliance on a rain-soaked pitch. Despite the weather delaying kick-off by 30 minutes, Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal 13 minutes in.

Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, standing in for Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez (who is serving a two-match ban for offensive behavior), delivered a strong performance, denying Venezuela's Salomon Rondon in the first half. However, Rondon equalized with a powerful header from a Yeferson Soteldo cross in the second half, moving Venezuela temporarily to sixth in the standings with 11 points.

Despite late substitutions by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who brought on Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez in an effort to secure a win, the wet and difficult conditions hindered Argentina's play. Messi expressed his frustration, telling TyC Sports, "It was an ugly match... the ball stopped because of the water on the pitch. It is difficult to play in these conditions."

Argentina remains atop the standings with 19 points and will face Bolivia next, while Venezuela is set to visit Paraguay.

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