Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has pointed to the poor condition of the Estadio Monumental de Maturín pitch as a key reason for their disappointing 1-1 draw against Venezuela in Thursday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier, according to GOAL.
The match, which took place after heavy rain had soaked the field, was delayed initially due to the weather.
However, the players were eventually forced to play on a waterlogged pitch, making it difficult for both teams to perform at their best.
Lionel Messi expressed his frustration after the game, describing the playing conditions as ugly and challenging.
Argentina took the lead in the first half through Nicolás Otamendi, but Venezuela fought back, with Salomón Rondón netting the equalizer in the second half.
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Lionel Messi Blames the Pitch
Messi noted that the state of the pitch affected their ability to control the game and play their usual fluid style of football.
“It was very difficult, it makes for very ugly matches,” Messi told TyC after the game.
“We could not complete two passes in a row. In the second half we did it on the right a little more, but it is difficult to play like that. Very little is played.”
Despite the setback, Argentina will be looking to improve in their upcoming qualifiers as they aim for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
