Argentina dropped points in a second successive CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier, as Venezuela held them to a 1-1 draw in Maturin.
2026 World Cup qualification South America
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Match Report
The spoils were shared at Estadio Monumental de Maturin, where Salomon Rondon's second-half header cancelled out Nicolas Otamendi's earlier effort.
After heavy rain delayed kick-off, Argentina took the lead in the 13th minute.
Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo failed to properly clear the returning Lionel Messi's free-kick, and Otamendi reacted quickest to poke home from 12 yards out.
The hosts went close to levelling either side of the break. German Pezzella cleared off the line from Rondon, while Geronimo Rulli - deputising for the suspended Emiliano Martinez - kept out Yangel Herrera's powerful header.
However, Venezuela did grab their equaliser in the 65th minute - and subsequently a point - when Rondon rose at the near post to power home from Yeferson Soteldo's cross.
We're bringing a point back from Maturín!
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) October 10, 2024
Venezuela 1 1 Argentina#ArgentinaNT pic.twitter.com/ptCWA0bK7y
Messi returned to the international scene for the first time since limping off in tears during the Copa America final.
But the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner could not help Argentina get back to winning ways, while he conceded possession the joint-most times (19) by any visiting player.
The conditions certainly affected the flow of the game, and was more to the suiting of Venezuela. Although they had just 40.1% of possession, the hosts outshot their opponents 16-8.
However, they have now failed to win their last five CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers; their longest streak since going six without victory between June and October 2021.
Match Events
0' The game is delayed for half an hour because the pitch is waterlogged
0' The match is about to start!
3' There is still a lot of water on the pitch and the ball is getting stuck
9' Rincon takes a fierce shot from outside of the box but it is straight to Rulli
13' Otamendi opens the scoring quickly! Venezuela 0-1 Argentina
17' Messi’s inswinger is cleared by the Venezuela defence
24' Rondon almost equalises after Pezzella’s clearance takes a deflection
29' Highlight from Venezuela vs Argentina
32' Martinez gets yellow for his challenge on Lo Celso
36' Match Event for Venezuela vs Argentina
40' Otamendi denies Venezuela equaliser with crucial block on the goalline
42' Match Event for Venezuela vs Argentina
48' Rulli saved another brilliant strikes, this time from Nahuel Ferraresi
52' Messi’s attempted through ball for Alvarez is deflected away for Yordan Osorio
65' Solomon Rondon equalises for the hosts! Venezuela 1-1 Argentina
73' Highlight from Venezuela vs Argentina
77' Messi almost sets up Tagliafico for an Maal chalenged busines
85' Enzo and Alvarez replaced by Lautaro and Parades
90' Highlight from Venezuela vs Argentina
Line-ups
Venezuela XI: Rafael Romo, Rincon, S.Rondón, Alexander González, Jefferson Savarino, Yeferson Soteldo, Yordan Osorio, Yangel Herrera, Nahuel Ferraresi, José Martínez, Jon Aramburu
Subs: Alain Baroja, Edson Castillo, José Contreras, Darwin Machís, Cadiz, Rubén Ramírez, Eduard Bello, Christian Makoun, Delvin Alfonzo, Telasco Segovia, Kervin Andrade, Bryant Ortega
Argentina XI: Messi, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Gerónimo Rulli, Pezzella, De Paul, Lo Celso, Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, Julián Alvarez, Enzo Fernández
Subs: Paredes, Walter Benítez, Musso, Exequiel Palacios, Lautaro, Gonzalo Montiel, Mac Allister, Martinez, Balerdi, Nico Paz, Facundo Buonanotte, Julio Soler