Argentina’s lead slips away in rain-delayed clash after Messi’s international return

Argentina took an early lead with Messi's assist in Cup qualifying, but Venezuela ending the match in a 1-1 draw

MATURIN, Venezuela: Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela on Thursday during Lionel Messi's return to international duty in South America's World Cup qualifiers.

Captain Messi, 37, who had fully recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia in July, was instrumental in assisting Otamendi to open the scoring 13 minutes into the game. The match had been delayed by half an hour due to heavy rain, and the pitch remained waterlogged.

Geronimo Rulli, standing in for Emiliano 'Dibu' Martinez, who is serving a two-match suspension for offensive behaviour, delivered an impressive performance in goal, denying Salomon Rondon's attempts in the first half.

However, the determined Venezuelan forward equalised in the second half with an excellent header from a Yeferson Soteldo cross, temporarily moving his team to sixth in the standings with 11 points.

Argentina pushed for a winner after coach Lionel Scaloni brought on Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez five minutes from time, but the waterlogged pitch continued to hinder the World Cup champions.

"It was an ugly match. We couldn’t even string two passes together, the ball kept stopping because of the water on the pitch. It’s hard to play in these conditions, the pitch didn’t help," Messi told TyC Sports after the match.

"The best conditions for us are when the pitch is in good shape, the weather is fine, and the ball moves well. We don’t ask for much, do we?" added defender Rodrigo De Paul.

Argentina remain at the top of the standings with 19 points and are set to face Bolivia on Tuesday, while Venezuela will travel to Paraguay.