Salomon Rondon scored a second-half equalizer as Venezuela managed to secure a 1-1 draw at home against Argentina in their World Cup qualifier. Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring for the reigning world champions by firing home from the edge of the six-yard box after Venezuela goalkeeper Rafael Romo punched away Lionel Messi's free-kick.

Argentina consolidated its position at the top of CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification table with a 1-1 away draw over Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin in Maturin on Friday.

Lionel Messi returns for the defending FIFA champions Argentina as the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying leaders hit the road to visit Venezuela hoping to retain their slim advantage atop the standings.