Argentina player ratings vs Venezuela: Lionel Messi silenced ...

Argentina will have few complaints after leaving Venezuela with a point in World Cup qualifying. The Albiceleste spent most of Thursday evening's affair engaged in a rather sloppy battle in difficult conditions, as Salomon Rondon claimed a 1-1 draw for the unfancied hosts.

A rain delay saw the fixture pushed back by 30 minutes, and a waterlogged pitch seemed to suit the home side. Still, Argentina took the lead - albeit against the run of play - when centre-back Nicolas Otamendi turned home from close range 13 minutes in.

Venezuela came close shortly before half-time when veteran striker Rondon's crafty volley was pushed away by reserve Albiceleste goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli. Rondon's moment arrived though, as he rose above two defenders and headed past a sprawling Rulli in the 65th minute.

Lionel Messi seemed poised to restore Argentina's lead, but saw his effort denied by Rafael Romo after darting into the box late in the match. Manager Lionel Scaloni switched to a back five soon after, and will likely go home happy with a draw that keeps his side very much in control of their own destiny in 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from Estadio Monumental de Maturin...