Messi’s Argentina held 1-1 by Venezuela in South American World Cup qualifying
SAO PAULO (AP) - Lionel Messi’s Argentina drew Venezuela 1-1 in a South American World Cup qualifying match Thursday that was delayed for 30 minutes due to a wet pitch at Monumental Stadium in the Venezuelan city of Maturin.
Argentina, which leads the 10-team round-robin competition, now has 19 points after nine matches. Colombia, with 16 points, remains in second place after losing 1-0 at Bolivia.
The two results momentarily put Brazil out of automatic World Cup berths, in seventh place with 10 points. The Brazilians will face Chile in Santiago later on Thursday.
Argentina’s lead in the competition could be reduced on Friday if Uruguay, with 15 points, wins at Peru.