Venezuela 1-1 Argentina: summary, score, goals, highlights CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers
Venezuela - Argentina: As it happened.
Venezuela hold Argentina in crazy conditions.
The World Cup qualifier between Venezuela and Argentina looked in danger of being postponed ahead of kick-off as groundstaff struggled to clear standing water on the field. The start time was pushed back by 30 minutes to give the Estadio Monumental greater chance to drain but, when the game was able to begin, the on-field action was predictably scrappy.
The two goals were produced by crosses into the box. The first was an Argentina corner kick that landed at the feet of Nicolas Otamendi, who poked the ball home from close range. The second, a clever clipped cross from Yeferson Soteldo that was powered into the back of the net by Salomon Rondon.
The game ends all square, although Venezuela will feel that they actually generated the better chances.
Full time: Venezuela 1-1 Argentina.
A chaotic game ends all square in sodden conditions at Estadio Monumental.
Salomon Rondon strikes the free kick firmly but it thumps into the Argentina defensive wall and the visitors punt the ball clear.
In the final seconds Salomon Rondon latches onto a ball forward and powers past Pezzella. He approaches the edge of the box but is hauled down.
Free kick to Venezuela, Rondon to take it...
Argentina get forward with Montiel down the right flank. He tries to play a pass into the box but it's blocked by Jon Aramburu.
The visitors appeal for a penalty for handball, but the referee isn't convinced.
With Lisandro Martinez filling the role of a more orthodox striker, Lionel Messi is dropping deeper to function as a No. 10. Can he find something special in the final minutes?
We're going to have four minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
Strangely, it still looks like Venezuela are playing with greater urgency as we approach the end of the 90.
Now time for those Argentina changes.
It's Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez coming off. They are replaced by Paredes and Lautaro Martinez.
It's Yeferson Soltedo who takes it but his effort strikes the Argentina wall and is hoofed clear.
More good play from Yeferson Soteldo, charging through the Argentina midfield before being hacked down on the edge of the box.
Free kick to Venezuela, around 30 yards from goal. Slightly right of centre.
The pace of the game has slowed with a series of throw-ins and niggly fouls near the touchline. The heavy pitch has sapped the energy.
Double change coming for Argentina as they chase the win.
It looks like Copa America top scorer Lautaro Martinez is among them.
Salomon Rondon bundles his way through a couple of Argentina challenges to latch onto a long ball forward, before eventually losing out to Otamendi.
It's been a heroic effort from Rondon this evening. So far, he's earnt his team an unlikely point.
Lionel Messi tries to slide a neat pass through to the on-rushing Nicolas Tagliafico, charging down the left flank. The pass is a little overhit and rolls through to Rafa Romo.
As we head into the final 15 minutes of the 90, it's difficult to know which way this will go.
Venezuela have been a more consistent threat with the aerial dominance of Salomon Rondon. But Argentina have shown flashes of quality.
Will Lionel Scaloni turn to the likes of Lautaro Martinez or Alexis Mac Allister in the final stages?
Out of nowhere, Rodrigo de Paul plays a brilliant pass through the middle of the Venezuela backline and into the path of Lionel Messi.
Messi take a touch and tries to poke it past Rafa Romo, but the keeper stays big and saves well.
Beautifully flighted delivery from Solteldo from the left is headed clear by Argentina. The ball is curled in again towards Jhonder but his back post header is just wide of the target.
A few loose touches at the back for Argentina, as if spooked by that Venezuelan leveller.
The pitch is still causing confusion at the back. Venezuela win another corner kick.
A second change of the evening for Argentina. Gio Lo Celso is replaced by Leonardo Balerdi.
That goal has got the home crowd on their feet again.
Venezuela are level and it's no more than they deserve on the balance of play so far. It's direct, but it's working.
GOOOOOAAAAAAALL! Salomon Rondon
Venezuela are level! Yeferson Solteldo does brilliantly on the left to make some room and dig out a cross.
Good movement from Rondon at the near post and he nods a fine header past Rulli in the Argentina goal.
With Rondon and Jhonder, Venezuela are playing with two physical No. 9s now. They'll continue to look for those long balls forward.
Venezuela look to have an injection of energy from those additions and start to pin Argentina back again. A long ball into the box is headed behind in a panic by Otamendi.
Jhonder Cadiz and Darwin Machis come on for the hosts. They replace Rincon and Yefferson Savarino.
Argentina are starting to look a bit more settled now, whether they've acclimatised to the conditions or the conditions have simply improved.
As if in response to this Argentine improvement, Venezuela are readying their first substitutions.
Cheers from the home crowd as Jon Aremburu deceives Lionel Messi with a slick dummy.
Venezuela defend the corner kick well but immediately punt the ball long up-field, only finding the grateful arms of Rulli in the Argentina goal.
Finally a spell of possession for Argentina on the edge of the Venezuela box and it's Lionel Messi pulling the strings.
The No. 10 plays a series of sharp passes before threading a brilliant through ball for Alvarez. Venezuela scramble the ball clear for a corner kick.
Argentina fans will be a bit concerned to see Venezuela making the early running at the start of the second half.
The pitch does seem to have improved but the hosts' more direct approach is generating opportunities.
Yeferson Solteldo curls in the resultant corner kick and finds the head of Yangel Herrera, who forces another sharp save from Rulli.
Venezuela come forward swiftly and Solteldo pokes the ball forward to Rondon in the box. He strikes at goal but Rulli palms it out for a corner kick.
Big chance for Venezuela!
Second half is underway.
Argentina take the kickoff.
Let's see if the pitch has dried out at all.
Finally, Argentina are out. And they're making a change.
Gonzalo Montiel comes on. He replaces Nahuel Molina.
Venezuela are out for the second half.
Argentina, however, are not. The Argentinian FA may soon be another fine for failing to come out in a timely manner.
Will Argentina make changes at the break?
They may be ahead, but Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni must be considering a half time substitution. Their fleet-footed frontline of Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez and Thiago Almada are struggling to get into the game in these sodden conditions.
Someone like Lautaro Martinez, a more physical presence, might act as a better focal point.
A first-time finish from Nicolas Otamendi put the world champions ahead. / Leonardo Fernandez Viloria / REUTERS
Argentina grab first half lead.
It's not been pretty, but Argentina are ahead. Lionel Scaloni's side do not look too happy to be playing in such wet conditions - the ball is barely rolling at times - but they have rolled up their sleeves and have battled well.
Lionel Messi has been essentially anonymous in the opening 45 minutes, although it was his delivery that led to the goal for Otamendi.
Half time: Venezuela 0-1 Argentina.
That's all from a scrappy first half at Estadio Monumental. Argentina got the early goal but Venezuela have actually made the better chances in sodden conditions.
Argentina win a free kick on the touchline on the left wing. It's curled into the middle but headed over for a goal kick by Otamendi.
We're going to have one minute of added time at the end of the first half.
Another cross flighted into the Argentina penalty box. It's overhit by Soteldo and bounces out for a goal kick.
Argentina will be looking forward to the halftime whistle here.
Venezuela come forward again, Alexander Gonzalez slinging another cross into the box. This time Rondon and Rulli collide in the air and the Argetina goalkeeper is awarded a free kick.
It's a brilliant delivery onto the head of Salomon Rondon. His header is saved by Rulli and Argentina manage to scramble the loose ball clear.
Venezuela are getting close to a leveller.
Foul called on Rodrigo de Paul in the midfield. Chance for Venezuela to deliver into the box.
Venezuela have acquitted themselves well in these conditions. They've managed to pin Argentina back in their own half and made two or three presentable chances.
Flooded pitch continues to cause problems.
Admittedly, this was the scene during the warm-up. But it's difficult to say that it's improved since then.
Venezuela do well to play the ball up to Rondon on the edge of the box. Soteldo tries to make space for a shot but he's crowded out by Argentine defenders.
Big appeals for a Venezuela penalty kick as the ball clips Germán Pezzella's hand while he challenges for an aerial ball in the box.
The hosts demand a spot kick, but the referee waves them away.
Jose Martinez.
The Venezuela midfield goes into the book after one-too-many clumsy challenges.
Rincon is lucky to avoid a booking after clattering into Otamendi on the halfway line. There's be no shortage of physicality in the opening half an hour at the Monumental.
Argentina play the ball through the lines and find Julian Alvarez 25 yards from goal. The Atletico Madrid man spins sharply and shoots on goal but it's comfortably saved by Rafa Romo.
With a recognised target man up front, Venezuela look much better suited to thrive in these conditions.
They're able to miss out the dangerous passes in the midfield and get the ball right on the Argentina backline. With the surface still so heavy, it's an effective tactic.
Salomon Rondon finds himself running through on goal again, this time accompanied by Pezzella. He tries to make space for a shot but the Argentina defender gets back to block.
More good play from Savarino to feed the ball through to Rondon on the edge of the Argentina box. Rondon wastes no time and pokes the ball towards goal, narrowly missing the bottom corner.
Venezuela are definitely forcing their way back into this game. Front-to-back, as quickly as possible, is the best tactic here.
Savarino trots across and takes the next corner. This time Argentina clear to the edge of the box, where Martinez lets fly from distance.
Comfortably saved by Rulli.
Venezuela win a corner kick and it's a brilliant, teasing cross from Savarino.
His cross bounces right across the six-yard box and is hastily cleared at the back post. Another corner kick for the hosts.
Clever ball from Yefferson Savarino to clip a pass over the Argentina defence for Rondon. Unfortunately, it's a little overhit and Rulli comes out to claim it.
That early opener has cut through the party atmosphere at Estadio Monumental.
If they'd hoped that the poor conditions would be a leveller, they haven't made much difference so far.
Argentina break swiftly from a Venezuela corner kick. Messi plays a neat pass out to Almada on the left wing.
The youngster tries to take the ball into the Venezuela box but he's stopped on the edge. Good recovery defending from the hosts.
Argentina ahead with scrappy opener.
This is not going to be a game for the purists. Argentina have taken the lead early.
GOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Nicolas Otamendi
The visitors lead! Lionel Messi curls in a cross from the left and Venezuela can't clear it. Goalkeeper Rafa Romo comes out to punch but it lands at the feet of Otamendi, who pokes the ball home.
Good play from Thiago Almada to drift in from the left flank and fire a low shot on goal. It's well-hit, but is blocked by a diving Venezuelan defender.
Both teams are getting caught on the ball in the defence when it gets stuck in the standing water on the surface. Fortunately, neither attack is able to take advantage because the same happens to them.
Argentina enjoy their first spell of considered possession. They've got the hang of the tactic now, clipping passes off the ground to their intended target.
Rodrigo de Paul is lucky to avoid a booking for hacking down Jose Martinez on the halfway line. It's going to be that type of game.
Messi curls in the resultant free kick but it's headed clear.
Lionel Messi gets on the ball for the first time and tries to skip through a challenge, before being clipped by a Venezuelan leg. Free kick Argentina, 40 yards from goal.
Venezuela try to play a few passes around in the midfield, forced to play most of the passes off the ground to prevent the ball getting stuck.
You sense that Argentina are not too happy with these conditions.
Every single stride is met with huge splashes and standing water spray from the sodden turf.
This is not the day for neat, one-touch passing.
This is crazy. The rainwater is still having a huge affect on the ball and players are having to flick the ball off the ground with each touch, just to get it to move.
We're off!
Venezuela get the game underway, the ball immediately getting stuck in a puddle in the centre circle.
This could be a very, very scrappy game
We're nearly ready for the off at Estadio Monumental.
Venezuela - Argentina will get underway 30 minutes later that planned, but we're ready now.
Pitch update: Still not great.
The surface has certainly improved after another 30 minutes of strenuous work from the Venezuelan groundstaff but it's far from perfect. There are areas where standing water is visible. On one half, in particular.
Nevertheless, it looks like we're nearly ready for the off.
The players are out at Estadio Monumental!
Out of nowhere, we have movement!
Both Venezuela and Argentina are out on the field. It looks like we're going to have a soccer game.
Will the game need to be postponed? / Leonardo Fernandez Viloria / REUTERS
Flooded pitch threatens Venezuela - Argentina.
So, to recap.
Heavy rainfall for much of the day has seen standing water gather on the surface at the Estadio Monumental in Maturin, Venezuela. There have been plenty of groundstaff working on the turf in the last hour of so but they are struggling to shift the water.
A pre-game test found that the ball would not freely roll on the surface, forcing officials to delay the kickoff for 30 minutes. However some - reportedly including Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni - are now wondering whether this game can be played today.
Lionel Scaloni unhappy with conditions at Estadio Monumental.
Argentina insider Gaston Edul reports that the Argentina head coach does not believe that the game will be played today. There's certainly a lot of water just below the surface, preventing a true roll of the ball across the turf.
Venezuela - Argentina delayed for 30 minutes.
The latest news from the Estadio Monumental suggests that the game will be able to go ahead at 5:30pm ET, half an hour later than initially planned.
That's the current estimate, but it's difficult to see how the pitch can be sufficiently dried in the next 18 minutes. Things are still pretty damp down there.
When will Venezuela - Argentina begin?
The good news is that the rain in Maturin, Venezuela has now stopped.
The bad news is that the surface still seems to be completely sodden, despite the best efforts of around 15 people with brooms and rollers. Officials are testing the surface by rolling a ball around but it's getting bogged down in the turf.
Central areas look particularly affected.
All hands on deck at the Estadio Monumental.
There's at least a dozen members of the groundstaff out on the field with rollers and brooms, desperately trying to disperse the areas of heavy rainwater. The skies do look to be clearing now, but the on-field conditions are not great.
GAME SUSPENDED!
The pre-game tests with a ball have not gone well and kickoff at Estadio Monumental has officially been delayed.
No word yet on the length of the delay. The work continues but the rain is still pouring down.
Pitch inspection underway.
The turf is largely free of standing water but there's a real drag on the ball as officials go through tests. The ball is not rolling freely, bogged down by sodden turf.
The rain has been pouring in Maturin, Venezuela. / Leonardo Fernandez Viloria / REUTERS
Work underway at Estadio Monumental to prepare the surface.
The groundstaff at the Estadio Monumental has had a real battle on their hands to ensure that Venezuela - Argentina goes off as planned today. Periods of heavy rain left standing water on the field but it looks like they've managed to keep the pitch in good playing condition.
Not long to go until kickoff now.
Rain continues to pour in Maturin ahead of Venezuela - Argentina.
The conditions are not improving at Estadio Monumental.
Fans are being forced to run for cover as the rain hammers down. Kickoff is now less than half an hour away, still no talk on a potential delay.
It looks like we'll be starting at 5pm ET as planned.
Can Lionel Messi add to incredible Argentina record?
Of course, he's starting. Lionel Messi never turns down the chance to represent his country and retains home of leading Argentina into the 2026 World Cup.
Of the course of his stellar international career, Messi has played 187 games, scored 109 goals and provided 58 assists for his teammates. Oh, and he's won two Copa America and the World Cup.
Rainy conditions in Maturin for Venezuela - Argentina.
We're expecting a full house at the Estadio Monumental but the crowds will have to withstand some pretty bleak conditions as rain pours down in Maturin. There were umbrella's aplenty as the first fans arrived at the venue.
Nevertheless, officials have confirmed that today's game will go ahead at the scheduled kickoff time.
Venezuela ready for Argentina test.
Is there a more daunting sight in international soccer. Argentina have won the last three major international tournament, winning both the 2021 and 2024 Copa Americas, in addition to the World Cup in 2022.
Venezuela, meanwhile, are still looking to make it to the finals of the World Cup for the first time.
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Argentina team news!
And here's the starting XI for the world champions. As suspected, Lionel Messi does start at the Estadio Monumental. Former Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada is given a start off the back of his good form in Brazil with Botofogo.
Venezuela team news!
Here's how the hosts line up. Former Premier League star Solomon Rondon starts up for the Vinotinto.
Hurricane Milton remains a real threat to parts of the Southern United States and it had a real bearing on Argentina's preparations for the game against Venezuela. They were based at a training camp in Miami earlier this week and were forced to alter their travel arrangements.
Is Lionel Messi starting for Argentina?
Well, we're still awaiting official confirmation on the starting XI but the Argentinian social media team certainly think so. Lionel Messi's famous No. 10 jersey will be in abundance at Estadio Monumental this evening.
Injured Alejandro Garnacho misses out for Argentina.
While we await team news, here's another definitely ruled out for Argentina. Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho was forced to pull out of the squad after picking up a knee injury in the Premier League last weekend.
Scaloni is also without Paulo Dybala due to injury, as well as the recently-retired Angel di Maria, in the attacking areas.
Being the head coach of the Argentina national team can't be easy, but things have got even tougher for Lionel Scaloni this week. Not only has he had to contend with Hurricane Milton at their base in Miami, his team's travel plans have been affected by political tensions.
“We can’t land directly in Maturín. We’ll have to make a stopover since flights from U.S. soil aren’t allowed to land directly in Venezuela. These are things beyond our control, just bad luck. The most important thing is the safety of everyone here and the well-being of the people affected by the hurricane,” Scaloni explained.
No. 10 on 10/10.
In the modern game, Lionel Messi is surely the most iconic No. 10. It's fitting, therefore, that his Argentina take to the field on October 10.
Who is starting for Argentina?
It looks like Lionel Scaloni is set to hand a start to former Atlanta United playmaker Thiago Almada at the Monumental. The 23-year-old endured a tough 2024 in MLS but has shown his true quality since moving to Botofogo in Brazil over the summer.
We're still awaiting a confirmed starting XI from Argentina, but we do know one name that will not be in the team. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was recently hit with a two-game ban for his antics against Colombia.
The stage is set.
Venezuela's iconic Estadio Monumental is ready for action. Blue skies and a smattering of clouds above the stadium for today's CONMEBOL clash.
Who is in the Argentina squad?
Here's the roster selected by Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni for the games against Venezuela and Bolivia. However he has been forced to make a few changes with Alejandro Garnacho, Paulo Dybala and Nicolas Gonzalez pulling out of the camp due to injury.
Live: Venezuela - Argentina.
Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of the World Cup qualifier between Venezuela and Argentina.
The hosts have never before made it to the World Cup finals, while Argentine are the reigning world champions. However, political tensions and Hurricane Milton have complicated the Argentines' travel plans.
Could Venezuela spring a surprise?