Messi Explains Argentina’s ‘Bad’ Performance Against Venezuela

After suffering an ankle injury in the 2024 Copa America final, Lionel Messi has highlighted Argentina’s rare “ugly” performance in their 1-1 draw against Venezuela and talked about the reasons behind his postponed return to international football.

Due to his injury, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner missed numerous Inter Miami games; but, he returned to the Argentina team for the most recent round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Messi and his colleagues battled to win, though; a severe thunderstorm affected the game versus Venezuela greatly.

What Messi said?

Messi told TyC Sports:

“It was incredibly difficult, and it made for an ugly contest. The tough circumstances made the game challenging. Two passes couldn’t be stringed together. We managed a bit better on the right in the second half, but it was difficult to play like that—there was hardly any football being played.”

Messi also said:

“We tied as the field prevented us from playing the way we wanted. We had to adjust and fight for every ball, play off mistakes by our opponent. Particularly in the first half when the water slowed the ball, the pitch conditions made us avoid dangerous passes. Considering the situation, we engaged in the game we could.”