Lionel Scaloni’s team had a tough 90 minutes on a field that was almost impossible to play on, so they will probably be happy with a point.

The fact that Argentina left Venezuela with a point won’t make them unhappy. The fight between La Albiceleste and the other team was pretty sloppy for most of the game. Nicolas Otamendi’s goal helped save a 1-1 tie.

The game had to be moved back 30 minutes because of rain, and the home team seemed to do better on a wet field. When Otamendi scored from close range 13 minutes in, Argentina took the lead, even though it wasn’t the way the game was going.

Just before halftime, Venezuela came close, but Albiceleste backup goalie Geronimo Rulli blocked Salomon Rondon’s clever volley. But Rondon’s chance came when he jumped over two players and headed the ball past Rulli, who was on the ground, in the 65th minute.

Lionel Messi looked like he was going to score a second goal, but Rafael Romo blocked his shot after he ducked into the box late in the game. The game ended in a draw, which means that manager Lionel Scaloni could switch to a back five right away. La Albiceleste are still in full control of its own fate in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying process.