Argentina was held to a 1-1 draw by host Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America on the morning of October 11, on a day when superstar Lionel Messi had no luck scoring.

Argentina were without goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez due to suspension and Rulli was brought in as a replacement. Messi played alongside Alcaraz in attack while the four midfielders in the middle of the field included De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso, Thiago Almada.

Right after the opening whistle, Argentina pushed their formation to attack in search of a goal. Lionel Messi had the first chance in the 6th minute, but his free kick was quite inaccurate.

Messi’s efforts could not help Argentina win on Venezuela’s field (Photo: Reuters)

In a match where both sides played quite aggressively, the difference came from set pieces. In the 13th minute, after Lo Celso’s free kick, centre-back Otamendi was there in time to cushion the ball accurately, opening the score 1-0 for Argentina.

Venezuela pushed their formation up high to attack, but they were met by a large and compact Argentina defense. Lionel Messi tried to dribble, but he was always closely marked by Venezuelan defenders.

Messi had a chance to score with a beautiful long-range shot in the 31st minute, but goalkeeper Rafael Romo made a reflex save for the home team. The remaining minutes of the first half had no goals but there were many rough situations, notably Jon Aranburu’s tackle on an Argentine player that forced referee Gustavo Tejera to stop the match.

In the second half, Argentina played slowly and quite leisurely. In the 52nd minute on the field, Messi received the ball from his teammate and observed very quickly before making an impressive one-touch pass to Julian Alvarez.

Leo’s lightning-fast move caught the Venezuelan defense by surprise, eliminating four opposing players and putting the Atletico star in a favorable position. However, due to being closely marked, Alvarez was unable to make an accurate shot.

Argentina still leads the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America despite being held to a draw by Venezuela (Photo: AFP).

Venezuela tried hard to attack in search of an equalizer and their efforts were rewarded. In the 65th minute, Yeferson Soteldo crossed for Salomon Rondon to finish close range into the top corner, giving goalkeeper Rulli no chance, equalizing 1-1 for the home team Venezuela.

Lionel Messi played energetically and he controlled the ball and shot into the middle of the goal but Rafael Romo saved for Venezuela in the 73rd minute. Argentina focused on attacking in the last 15 minutes but it was ineffective and they had to accept a 1-1 draw at Venezuela’s Monumental de Maturin stadium.

Argentina is still leading the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America with 19 points after 9 matches, 3 points ahead of second-placed Colombia. In the next match on October 16, Messi and his teammates will host Bolivia at home.