In a thrilling World Cup qualifier, Messi returned to the pitch as Argentina faced Venezuela, ending in a 1-1 draw. Explore the match details and analysis.
Introduction:
Their rain-soaked affair turned out to be a 1-1 draw for Argentina as it played the South American World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela on Thursday. The match was Lionel Messi’s first game back after injury in the Copa América final played against Colombia. Both teams were determined, and made it through the tough conditions, all delays due to heavy rain. Messi’s brilliance stood out as he assisted Argentina for the only goal of the match.
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A Rainy Return for Lionel Messi
Many had been waiting for the return of Lionel Messi, and it didn’t disappoint. Now 37 and fully recovered from his injury, Messi assisted in the opening goal of the game. After a drenched and muddy thirteen minutes, he set up defender Nicolás Otamendi for the first goal. The conditions were really terrible, but Messi could still flash glimpses of his skill as the match was held an hour behind schedule due to heavy rains.
Messi brought sort of hope and leadership on the shoulders of Argentina, especially after some excellent displays in the latest international competitions. However, circumstances on the pitch did not let him dominate for the whole duration of 90 minutes because the ball was all of a sudden halted in puddles spreading out on the pitch.
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Gerónimo Rulli Holds Firm in Nets
Argentina had to fall back on substitute goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli as the first choice Emiliano ‘Dibu’ Martínez was suspended for two games. Many crucial saves by Rulli kept Argentina in the game, particularly during the first half when Venezuela’s Salomón Rondón tested him with a series of dangerous attempts.
Rulli was magnificent, especially given the greasy playing surface and the unpredictable skid of the ball on the wet ground. His best save came near the end of the half when Rondón unleashed a clever volley; Rulli leapt to some extent and palmed it away for Argentina to go in at the break ahead.
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Conversion and Persistence Finally Pays Off
Venezuela, intent on leaving their mark in the World Cup qualifiers, were coming hard at the Argentine side in the second half. Their star striker, Salomón Rondón, who had harangued the Argentinian defense throughout the match, equalized in the 65th minute. A marvellous cross from Yeferson Soteldo found Rondón in fine form as he thumped his excellent header past the two Argentine defenders into the arms of Rulli, who was left with no option. This goal momentarily saw Venezuela take the sixth position in the rankings with 11 points and so far a good season from the side.
It was really the equalizer that rejuvenated the Venezuelan side and seemed to stretch them to the maximum extent they could possibly go to attempt to win the game. It did not end that way, however, as Argentina’s defense was well impenetrable, and the match would end stale, with no clear watered opportunities at all on a waterlogged field.
Argentina’s Late Push and Scaloni’s Tactical Changes
But in the final minutes when the scores were still tied, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni decided to introduce some a game of scissors and paper with daring substitution. It was a last roll of the dice in an effort to scoop the winner as he brought on Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martínez, hoping that fresh legs would spark a late breakthrough. But the soggy conditions on the field only made things more difficult for Argentina by making it nearly impossible to string any good passes together or launch any consequential attacks.
Messi, despite being heavily marked, did have one last chance to steal the victory for Argentina. In a typically Messi-esque fashion, he darted into the box but saw his shot smashed in by Venezuela’s goalkeeper Rafael Romo, denying the superstar a fairytale finish on his return to international duty.
There was nothing but a point apiece as the final whistle sounded. Argentina might be disappointed to walk away without having taken all the points, but Scaloni seemed relaxed with the draw-owing to the fact that the conditions of playing were stiff.
Messi Post-Match Reaction
Messi was, after the match, very candid about challenges the team goes through by being handicapped by such a bad pitch. “It was an ugly match. We couldn’t even make two passes in a row, the ball stopped because of the water on the pitch. It is difficult to play in these conditions; the pitch did not help,” Messi said TyC Sports after the match. His frustration was apparent, though the Argentine captain seemed optimistic about the team’s chances in the course of the continuing qualifications.
Future For Argentina Still Under His Control
The draw aside, Argentina is pretty and solidly in control of their qualification journey to the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup. With Messi now back on the pitch, also with key players such as Emiliano Martínez returning for the remaining matches, Argentina will certainly look to improve. While there will be a prime requirement for some tactical flexibility from manager Lionel Scaloni, as proven by his late-game changes, and for Argentina, which adjusted perfectly well under these adverse conditions.
Conclusion: Messi Returns
While not the perfect result for reigning World Cup holders from the draw against Venezuela, it still leaves them in a very strong position. Argentina, with Messi, will continue to push on toward 2026.