Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by Venezuela in Maturin on Thursday, in Lionel Messi’s return to international duty after missing September’s fixtures due to injury. Messi, playing a crucial role, helped set up Nicolas Otamendi’s 13th-minute opener through a well-placed free-kick. However, Venezuela’s persistence paid off in the second half when veteran striker Salomon Rondon equalized with a header from Yeferson Soteldo’s cross, leaving Argentina frustrated.
Despite the draw, Argentina remains at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings with 19 points from nine games, maintaining a strong position to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The top six teams from the 10-team round-robin will qualify directly for the expanded 48-team tournament.
Elsewhere, Brazil secured a much-needed 2-1 win against Chile in a dramatic match in Santiago. Chile took a surprising early lead through Eduardo Vargas’s looping header over Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson in the second minute. Brazil responded just before halftime, as Igor Jesus headed home a cross from Savinho to level the game. The match seemed destined for a draw until Luiz Henrique’s 89th-minute strike sealed victory for Brazil. The result moved Brazil into fourth place in the standings with 13 points, six points behind leaders Argentina.
In other action, Bolivia boosted their chances of qualifying for the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Colombia at high altitude in El Alto. Miguel Terceros scored the only goal of the game in the 58th minute, a spectacular solo effort that propelled Bolivia to their fourth win of the campaign. Bolivia’s strategic decision to play qualifiers at the higher elevation of El Alto has proven successful, as they now sit in sixth place with 12 points, level with fifth-placed Ecuador, who were held to a goalless draw against Paraguay.
As the qualifiers continue, Argentina appears on course for an easy qualification, while Brazil still faces challenges despite their recent win. Bolivia’s resurgence, driven by home advantage at extreme altitudes, has turned them into serious contenders for a World Cup spot.
