Lionel Messi points the blame in furious interview after Argentina draw
Argentina captain Lionel Messi was not at all happy with the state of the pitch for his side's 1-1 draw against Venezuela in a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorLionel Messi blamed the wet pitch at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin for Argentina's "ugly" 1-1 draw with Venezuela in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Nicolas Otamendi's first-half goal was cancelled out by a header from former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon and Messi was not happy with the state of the pitch which had been soaked by the heavy rainfall in Venezuela.
The game was initially delayed as a result of the rain, but play eventually went ahead with both teams sharing the points. Argentina are currently top of the CONMEBOL standings with 19 points, while Venezuela sit seventh.
The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the side that finishes seventh will enter the play-offs. Reflecting on the draw with Venezuela, Messi told Argentine broadcaster TyC: "It was very difficult, it makes for very ugly matches.
"We could not complete two passes in a row. In the second half we did it on the right a little more, but it is difficult to play like that. Very little is played. We tied because the field didn't help us do what we wanted, we had to do another game than the one prepared for.
"But we were prepared because we fought, won the battles, played with the error of the rival. We couldn't risk much by playing with passes to the back. In the first half we made a couple passes to the back and the water would stop it, and complicated it. We did the game we could with the water."
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni echoed Messi's concerns, stating: "It [the pitch] did not meet the minimal conditions for a football game. You couldn't play. We did what we had to do, but the conditions of the playing field were not for a match against two teams of this kind of level."
The match was Messi's first for Argentina since their Copa America victory earlier this year, having missed the qualifiers against Chile and Colombia through injury. "The wait to play again [with Argentina] was too long," Messi added.
"I also missed many games with my club. I am happy to return, to continue adding consecutive games and to be here again. I hadn't played yet and I had little training at the moment of the call [for last month's qualifiers.
"I wasn't at 100 percent. From a physical point of view, the ankle was bothering me. We both decided that I wasn't ready and it was best to stay and train with my team to complete my recovery. I miss playing in Argentina, so now I am happy."
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.