An 89th-minute goal by substitute Luiz Henrique gave Brazil a 2-1 away win over Chile on Thursday in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match. The win meant under-pressure Brazil coach Dorival Júnior's team will finish the ninth round of the round-robin competition in fourth place in South American qualifying.

Lionel Messi said it was difficult to complete two passes in a row as a rain-soaked pitch hampered playing conditions vs. Venezuela.

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.

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday in Lionel Messi's return to international duty in the South America's World Cup qualifiers.

The clash with Venezuela was delayed due to the heavy rain in Maturin before the officials decided the pitch was fit to play. However, the pitch still appeared to be waterlogged in areas, making it difficult for both teams to move the ball as normal.

Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Thursday in Lionel Messi's return to international duty in the South America's World Cup qualifiers. Captain Messi, 37, fully recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia in July,

It was a tough day at the office for Lionel Messi and his Argentina squad as they failed to capitalize on Otamendi's goal to grab the win against Venezuela. Messi provided a cross to Otamendi in the 13th minute of the match which was successfully converted into a goal.