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Messi has explained why he took a while to link up with the Argentina side shortly before they were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela.
Lionel Messi has opened up about Argentina's disappointing performance during their 1-1 draw against Venezuela in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The match, played under challenging conditions, showcased a rare "ugly" display from the Albiceleste, prompting Messi to reflect on both the game and his long-awaited return to international duty.
The game in Venezuela was marred by torrential rain, making the pitch nearly unplayable.
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Messi described the conditions as a significant hindrance to Argentina's style of play, stating, "It was very difficult; it makes for very ugly matches. We could not complete two passes in a row."
He noted that while the team managed to adjust somewhat in the second half, the waterlogged field severely limited their ability to execute their game plan.
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Messi emphasized the importance of adaptability in such scenarios, saying, "We had to adjust our game to the conditions. We fought hard and capitalized on the opponent's mistakes, but it was challenging to maintain our usual rhythm. We had to play a different game than we had prepared for."
Messi's return to the national team came after a lengthy recovery from an ankle injury sustained in the 2024 Copa America final.
This setback sidelined him for crucial matches with both Argentina and Inter Miami.
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He explained the reasons behind his absence from previous international fixtures against Chile and Colombia, revealing, "The wait was long. I was out for a while and missed several games. I wasn’t at 100 percent physically; my ankle was still bothering me. We decided it was best for me to stay and train until I was fully fit."
Despite the frustrating draw against Venezuela, Messi remains optimistic about Argentina's campaign.
With a record 188 caps, he expressed his happiness at returning to the squad and being able to contribute once again.
Messi and the Albiceleste are set to face Bolivia in their next qualifying match, eager to regain their winning momentum.
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