Lionel Messi's return spoiled as Venezuela hold Argentina, Brazil edge past Chile

Lionel Messi's return to the Argentina team was spoiled by Venezuela, who held the World Champions to a 1-1 draw on October 10, Thursday. Brazil secured a last-gasp win to edge past Chile.

In Short

• Messi was returning to Argentina team after the Copa America final
• Messi slammed the pitch conditions after the game
• Luis Henrique's goal helped Brazil beat Chile 2-1

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela in South American World Cup qualifiers, marking Lionel Messi's return to international action. The 37-year-old captain, back after recovering from an injury suffered in the Copa América final against Colombia, was instrumental in Argentina's early goal. On a waterlogged pitch, delayed by half an hour due to heavy rain, Messi set up Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring just 13 minutes into the match.

However, Venezuela fought back in the second half, with Salomon Rond³n's header from a Yeferson Soteldo cross leveling the game. Ger³nimo Rulli, standing in for the suspended Emiliano 'Dibu' Mart­nez, was beaten by Rond³n’s strike. Despite the draw, Argentina remains atop the standings with 19 points, while Venezuela climbed to sixth with 11 points. Argentina next faces Bolivia, while Venezuela will take on Paraguay.

Messi slammed the pitch conditions after the game, calling it an 'ugly match.'

"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 told TyC Sports after the game.

Brazil beat Chile in thriller

Meanwhile, Brazil managed a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Chile. After a disappointing loss to Paraguay, Brazil fell behind early when Eduardo Vargas headed in a goal just two minutes into the game from a Felipe Loyola cross.

Chile missed several chances to extend their lead, allowing Brazil to equalize in first-half stoppage time through Igor Jesus, who powered in a header from Savinho’s cross. Brazil dominated the second half and found the winner in the 89th minute, as Luiz Henrique curled a strike from the edge of the box to secure the crucial three points.

The win lifted Brazil to fourth place in the standings with 13 points, trailing Uruguay by two and Argentina by eight.

Other Results

Other results on October 10 saw 10-man Bolivia upset Colombia 1-0 and Ecuador and Paraguay play out a goalless draw.