The 9th match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers saw a surprise when the Argentine team was held to a draw in their away match against Venezuela. Captain Lionel Messi played the full 90 minutes but could not help “La Albiceleste” pocket all 3 points and return home.

One of the notable situations surrounding Messi in the match was the conflict on the field with Yeferson Soteldo. After the captain of the visitors had a verbal exchange with Salomon Rondon, the home team’s explosive team followed up to argue with “El Pulga”.

Amidst the tension, Messi put his arm around Soteldo’s neck and the 27-year-old player immediately brushed it off harshly. Center-back Nahuel Ferraresi had to intervene, separating the No. 10 duo from each other. Soteldo was pushed away by his own teammate.

One detail that attracted attention was that the Venezuelan player was a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s biggest rival in football. Soteldo’s passionate admiration for “CR7” is shown through the tattoo of the Portuguese superstar on his leg.

Despite having to share points, Argentina still maintained their leading position in the rankings, in the context of both the teams behind, Colombia and Uruguay, suffering defeats. Soteldo’s Venezuela is currently ranked 7th, the position that must win a place to participate in the biggest football festival on the planet through the intercontinental Play-off route.