Lionel Messi returns but can not prevent Argentina from collapsing to surprise his loss to Venezuela

Argentine Lionel Messi has regained his international title for the first time since the World Cup on Friday, but the night was disappointing for the striker who lost 3-1 to Venezuela in a friendly match in Madrid.

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 was comforted by Argentina.

Messi took a sabbatical after his country's premature departure from last year's finals in Russia, but he returned with a fresh, clean-shaven look to become the captain of the entire South American deal at the Metropolitano stadium from Atletico Madrid.

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 counterattack to allow Argentina to return to the match after 59 minutes of play, but their hopes were short-lived. Venezuelan Josef Martinez was forced to 3-1 from the penalty spot, a quarter of an hour late.

"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 had that penalty. We must continue to improve.

Reuters

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