Lionel Messi's Argentina drew Venezuela 1-1 in a South American World Cup qualifying match Thursday that was delayed for 30 minutes due to a wet pitch at Monumental Stadium in the Venezuelan city of Maturin.

Lionel Messi blamed the conditions of the pitch Estadio Monumental de Maturín for Argentina's "ugly' 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday night in their first World Cup qualifier of the October international window.

CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying is back underway and Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad for the first time since the Copa America. Messi injured his ankle in the final of that match against Colombia,

Argentina, who had eight shots to Venezuela's 16, went ahead in the first half through Nicolas Otamendi before Salomon Rondon equalised in the 65th minute. And Lionel Messi did not hold back in expres

Two teams struggling through disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns meet on Thursday when Chile hosts Brazil. For the home side, it will be the first game since a truly embarrassing result last month.

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying gets back underway in what has been a topsy turvy run so far for South American teams through eight rounds of play. Lionel Messi will return for Argentina with the team still in first place during qualifying but Colombia and Uruguay are hot on their heels.