Lionel Messi‘s return with Argentina was marred by heavy rain and an unexpected 1-1 draw against Venezuela, in the Conmebol qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Although the result was far from meeting expectations, the Albiceleste remains the leader in the South American classification.
The rain caused such flooding that the players had to wait, facing a delay of half an hour, to jump onto the field of the Maturín Monumental Stadium.
Argentina quickly reached the networks. Nicolás Otamendi took advantage of a rebound to score the first goal for Argentina in the 13th minute.
With the return of Messi, who missed the September matches against Chile and Colombia due to injury, Argentina was now forced to reiterate its sporting hierarchy against Vinotinto. However, the Venezuelans responded in the complement to also confirm the football growth they have shown in recent months.
Pachuca forward Salomón Rondón balanced the score in the 65th minute with a header after a cross from Yeferson Soteldo. Thus, the striker increased his record as Vinotinto’s all-time top scorer, reaching 45 goals.
Although Argentina has two games in a row without victory in the qualifying rounds. However, it remains at the top of Conmebol with 19 points, while Venezuela has eleven points and is seventh.
Brazil achieves agonizing victory
Brazil, an international power, managed to respond in the final stretch to beat Chile 2-1 at the National Stadium. La Verdeamarela jumped to fourth place with 20 points while the Chileans are in the penultimate step with five points and have gone six games without winning.
Edu Vargas hit the net just 69 seconds in to score the fastest goal in Chile’s history in the Conmebol qualifiers. However, Igor Jesús equalized the score at 45+1 and Luiz Henrique achieved the agonizing victory (89) with a powerful shot from the edge of the area very much in the style of the magic of Brazilian soccer.
Colombia falls to Bolivia
Colombia, second in the standings with 16 points, was also surprised by falling 1-0 to Bolivia despite having a numerical advantage at the El Alto Municipal Stadium, in La Paz.
The Bolivians had to row against the current when they were left with 10 men after the expulsion of Héctor Cuellar (20). Even so, they took the victory with a worthy goal from Miguel Terceros (58), who, by breaking his hip, broke the mark of two defenders and unleashed a missile directly into the nets. With the victory, Bolivia jumped to fifth place with 12 units.
Ecuador failed in its attempt to surprise Gustavo Alfaro, its former coach, by being held to a goalless draw against Paraguay. The Ecuadorians are fourth with twelve points while the Paraguayans have 10 points.
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