Lionel Messi returned to international duty with Argentina on Friday for the first time since the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Messi's back in the @Argentina starting XI for the first time in 256 days, the longest period of time between international appearances for La Albiceleste's all-time leading goalscorer u2935ufe0f
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 22, 2019
However, it was not a happy return for the Barcelona captain, as Lionel Scaloni’s side were beaten 3-1 by Venezuela at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Newcastle United striker Salomon Rondon opened the scoring after just six minutes of the game, and Jhon Murillo made it 2-0 just before half-time.