Lionel Messi blamed the conditions of the pitch Estadio Monumental de Maturín for Argentina's "ugly' 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday night in their first World Cup qualifier of the October international window.

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday in Lionel Messi's return to international duty in the South America's World Cup qualifiers.

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying gets back underway in what has been a topsy turvy run so far for South American teams through eight rounds of play. Lionel Messi will return for Argentina with the team still in first place during qualifying but Colombia and Uruguay are hot on their heels.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, played to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela in World Cup qualifiers. Messi assisted Otamendi's goal under challenging weather conditions. Venezuela's Salomon Rondon equalized with a header.

Lionel Messi has re-joined the Argentina squad in training in Miami as the team remain aware of Hurricane Milton.

Lionel Messi will return to Argentina’s national team for the South American World Cup qualifying matches against Venezuela and Bolivia.

Lionel Messi returned to action with the Argentina national team for the first time since the Copa América final on July 14 in a 1–1 draw against Venezuela.

Lionel Messi seemingly faulted the poor pitch for Argentina's frustrating draw with Venezuela in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Thursday.