Football News – Lionel Messi returns but Argentina sits 3-1 in Venezuela – International Friendlies 2019 – Football

Messi showed flashes of brilliance but it was not his night as Venezuela placed for the first time its most illustrious rival among its most illustrious rivals with goals from Salomon Rondon, Jhon Murillo and Josef Martinez. Lautaro Martinez got the consolation of Argentina.

Messi took a sabbatical after his country 's early departure from last year' s finals in Russia, but he returned with a new, well – shaved look to become the team captain in the US. South American deal at the Metropolitano stadium of Atletico Madrid.

Jose Salomon Rondon of Venezuela in action against Argentine Lionel Messi during the friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain on March 22, 2019Getty Images

Venezuela had beaten Argentina only once in 23 previous games, but they made a perfect start after five minutes when Rondon scored a long pbad and blocked a shot in front of goalkeeper Franco Armani .

Rondon should have made two with a header in the 40th but the second goal was only moments later, Murillo taking advantage of a quick free kick to spin to the edge of the area and shoot a nice shot right foot in the far corner of the net.

Lautaro Martinez ended a superb counter-attack to allow Argentina to return to the match after 59 minutes of play, but their hopes were in vain and the Venezuelan Josef Martinez scored 3-1 from the penalty with a quarter of an hour to play.

Venezuela football players celebrate after scoring a goal in the friendly match between Argentina and Venezuela at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain on March 22, 2019Getty Images

"In the first half, we created opportunities, but they scored twice when we made mistakes," Lautaro Martinez said. "In the second half, we played well and moved the ball, but they got that penalty and we need to keep improving."

Argentina will face Morocco in Tangier on Tuesday, while the next Venezuela will face Catalonia in Girona on Monday. (Writing by Andrew Downie, additional report by Ramiro Scandolo in Buenos Aires, edited by Ken Ferris)