Argentina win over Venezuela as Messi scores in his return to the side

(Football news) Already qualified for the World Cup, Argentina turned on the style as they beat Venezuela 3-0 in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Argentina scored twice in three minutes late in the second half, including a curiously mis-hit effort from Lionel Messi, to help cement their second spot in the table and also help gather some momentum before facing Brazil in the next fixture.

Argentina had already qualified for World Cup in Qatar before their late scheduled game and were on top throughout the game against the last-placed side in the South American qualifying group and Venezuela are the only South American side to never to reach the World Cup ever in their history. Argentina broke the deadlock with their pressure just 10 minutes before half-time when Nicolas Gonzalez knocked home Rodrigo De Paul's low cross..

Then in the second half, substitute Angel Di Maria scored a lovely second goal in the 79th minute when he ran on to a beautifully waited pass from De Paul and then exquisitely chipped the ball over three Venezuelan defenders from outside the box. Messi then went on to put the final touches to a convincing performance as he got himself on scoresheet when he chested down a Di Maria pass before scuffing the ball past a helpless keeper.The result meant that it was Venezuela's 10th defeat in their last 12 games and it also extended Argentina's unbeaten run to 30 matches dating back to July 2019.

Argentina were without four players suspended because of breaching the COVID-19 quarantine rules ahead of their suspended game against Brazil. They kept their record intact of never losing to Venezuela in eight home qualifiers.The two-times world champion and current Copa America winners will be joined by Brazil, Ecuador and Uruguay, while Peru, Colombia and Chile will battle it out for the for the elusive fifth place on Tuesday and a playoff spot against a team from the Asian confederation.

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Tuesday’s fixtures are: