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

Messi returned to the pitch wearing Argentina shirts after two-and-half months and looked fully recovered from an injury sustained in the Copa America final in July. 

He was as usual in sublime form. In the 13th minute, his magnificently free-kick was somehow punched away by Venezuela custodian into the path of Nicolas Otamendi, who slot it home from the edge of the six yard box.

The match was delayed by half an hour due to torrential rain.

Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli produced a fine performance to keep out Salomon Rondon's first-half efforts. The goalkeeper obtained the opportunity to play for Emiliano Dibu Martinez, who is serving a two-match ban for offensive behavior. However, Rondo equalized in the second half with an exceptional header from a Yeferson Soteldo's cross to temporarily move his team to sixth in the standings with 11 points.

Argentina sought a winner after boss Lionel Scaloni introduced Leandro Paredes and Lautaro Martinez five minutes from time, but the soggy pitch only increased the World Cup winners' shortcomings.

Messi, irked at the ground condition not at all conducive to play, said after the match, “It was an ugly match. We could not even make two passes in a row. The ball stopped because of the water on the pitch. It was difficult to play in these conditions. The pitch did not help.”