Lionel Messi performed the gap on a saturated, rain-soaked pitch because the Argentine Nationwide Soccer Crew settled for a 1-1 draw towards host Venezuela on Thursday in a qualifying match for World Cup 2026.
Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi scored within the thirteenth minute to offer the reigning World Cup champions an early 1-0 lead, however Venezuela’s Salomón Rondón scored a header contained in the field to tie the match within the sixty fifth minute.
Nevertheless, the pitch at Monumental Stadium of Maturin was the story on this match. The sphere was severely drenched as massive quantities of rainwater visibly rose from the floor each time a participant has made a play on the ball.
Representatives from each golf equipment convened to debate the taking part in floor, the place stadium staff tried to roll out the water from the saturated discipline earlier than and through a 30-minute climate delay till the match started.
“The reality is that it was very troublesome to play like that. The match turned very ugly, very tight,” Messi stated after the match.
“I don’t need to say a lot, however the pitch was not in good situation for play, not less than in the present day,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni added.
Messi missed two photographs through the match as gamers from each groups navigated the circumstances, which affected how they performed their touches and passes all through the match. The excellent news for Messi: It was his first match with the nationwide staff since he suffered a proper ankle damage within the Copa America closing on July 14.
“It was a protracted wait to play once more. It was a very long time away, lacking matches for the membership. However I am comfortable to be again,” Messi stated.
The excellent news for Argentina: They continue to be atop the Conmebol World Cup qualifying standings with 19 factors regardless of the draw. It was Argentina’s first draw since a 1-1 tie towards Ecuador on March 30, 2022 throughout qualifying for the final World Cup, which they gained.
“Sadly we needed to adapt to those circumstances, and we could not take the three factors,” Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul stated of not having the ability to win.
And Argentina prevented a second straight loss, which has not occurred since 2016. Messi was not with Argentina for a 3-0 win over Chile on Sept. 6, and a 2-1 loss to Colombia on Sept. 10 in a rematch of the Copa America closing.
Together with the taking part in circumstances, Argentina’s journey plans have been impacted by Hurricane Milton and Venezuelan journey restrictions. The staff left Miami and had a layover in Colombia earlier than arriving late Wednesday evening in Maturin, Venezuela. They skilled through the week at Messi’s Main League Soccer membership, Inter Miami, and have been unable to fly instantly from the US and Argentina to the nation for the match.
Argentina, the reigning World Cup and two-time defending Copa America champions, has misplaced simply 4 occasions within the final 67 matches they’ve performed.
Messi and Argentina will play Bolivia at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. Argentina time).
“I am comfortable to be taking part in in Argentina once more on Tuesday,” Messi stated.
Listed below are highlights from in the present day’s Venezuela vs. Argentina match:
Messi misses shot contained in the field: Venezuela 1, Argentina 1
Lionel Messi might solely smile after his shot was blocked by Venezuelan goalie Rafael Romo within the 73rd minute. Messi was unable to play the stellar cross from Rodrigo De Paul.
Salomón Rondón aim: Venezuela 1, Argentina 1
We now have a tied recreation within the second half after Venezuela scored the equalizer.
Salomón Rondón scored a header contained in the field, and Venezuela has tied the match 1-1 within the 65th minute.
Rondón acquired a stellar cross from Yeferson Soteldo, who was credited with the help.
Halftime replace: Argentina leads Venezuela 1-0
It’s been a moist and sloppy affair between each groups because the saturated pitch has performed its half. Gamers are kicking up rain water with each transfer they make, and the circumstances have affected how each groups have attacked within the first half.
Lionel Messi missed a shot within the 31st minute simply exterior the field, taking part in the ball after a cross as a result of second and third touches are disrupted by the moist discipline.
Argentina leads 1-0 due to Nicolás Otamendi’s aim within the 13th minute.
Nicolás Otamendi aim: Argentina 1, Venezuela 0
Lionel Messi’s free kick was blocked by Venezuelan goalie Rafael Romo, and Nicolás Otamendi tapped within the rebound to offer Argentina an early 1-0 lead within the 13th minute.
How you can watch Venezuela vs. Argentina reside stream?
The sport is offered for reside stream on Fanatiz with a subscription.
What time does the Venezuela vs. Argentina match begin?
It was supposed to start at 5 p.m. ET, however is “delayed on account of dangerous climate.” Whereas the climate is right, the taking part in discipline isn’t, saturated with rain and inflicting the match to be delayed.
Is Messi taking part in in the present day in Venezuela?
Sure, Messi is anticipated to be in motion in the present day towards Venezuela. He was listed as a starter.
Messi made his damage return with Inter Miami on Sept. 14. He has performed in 5 video games, scoring 4 objectives and serving to Inter Miami safe the MLS Supporters’ Protect. The regular-season title marked No. 46 for membership and nation in Messi’s legendary profession.
“Messi is okay. He performed a number of video games for his staff in latest weeks, after not being within the final call-up, which was what we had agreed as a result of he wanted to get better and get extra minutes,” Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni stated this week. “Leo is coaching with the squad and is able to be a part of the staff to play towards Venezuela, who will probably be an amazing rival.”
Is Argentina on upset alert? Listed below are betting odds vs. Venezuela
Is Argentina at risk of dropping their second consecutive match? The oddsmakers don’t consider so. Argentina is the favourite (-175) to win vs. Venezuela (+525), whereas a draw after regulation has +270 odds, in keeping with BETMGM.
Which groups have crushed Argentina? Listed below are the final 4 losses
Earlier than the 2-1 loss to Columbia, Argentina final misplaced to Uruguay in World Cup qualifying final November 2023, Saudi Arabia within the 2022 World Cup opener and Brazil within the Copa America 2019 semifinal.
Argentina leaves Miami earlier than Hurricane Milton
The World Cup champions have been unable to fly from Argentina or the US on to Venezuela on account of journey restrictions by the Venezuelan authorities. They departed Miami with a layover in Barranquilla, Colombia earlier than arriving in Maturín, Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
Argentina skilled this week in Fort Lauderdale on the facility of Inter Miami, Messi’s Main League Soccer membership. These plans have been made earlier than the specter of Milton, a Class 3 storm that made landfall in Florida late Wednesday.
Messi, Argentina upcoming schedule
Messi and Argentina will return dwelling for a second match Tuesday towards Bolivia at 8 p.m. ET.
Then, Messi will return to South Florida for Inter Miami’s regular-season finale on Oct. 19. The MLS Cup Playoffs start Oct. 25.