Lionel Messi said it was difficult to complete two passes in a row as a rain-soaked pitch hampered playing conditions vs. Venezuela.

C ONMEBOL World Cup qualifying is back underway and Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad for the first time since the Copa America. Messi injured his ankle in the final of

Peru hosts Uruguay in a CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Friday, with the last-place home side desperate for three points. La Blanquirroja are the only winless side as South American qualifying nears its midway point,

Lionel Messi's Argentina are in Venezuela for Matchday 9 of the World Cup Qualifiers at the Estadio Monumental in Maturin. The match started late after being delayed due to conditions of the pitch. Follow our live updates!

CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying gets back underway in what has been a topsy turvy run so far for South American teams through eight rounds of play. Lionel Messi will return for Argentina with the team still in first place during qualifying but Colombia and Uruguay are hot on their heels.

Here’s how to watch the World Cup qualifying match on TV and live stream as well as the latest team news. The Sporting News takes you through all the information you need to follow the game.

With Lionel Messi sidelined, Argentina did lose to Colombia in September while also defeating Chile. The Inter Miami star has returned for the October window and appears fit and ready to go.

Brazil hope to begin the October international break on a high on Thursday when they face Chile in a high-profile World Cup qualifier. The five-time World Cup winners are fifth in CONMEBOL's 10-team table coming into this game,

Lionel Messi returns for the defending FIFA champions Argentina as the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying leaders hit the road to visit Venezuela hoping to retain their slim advantage atop the standings.