Messi injured on return as Argentina lose 3-1 to Venezuela

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Argentina v Venezuela - Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid, Spain - March 22, 2019 Argentina's Franco Armani concedes Venezuela's second goal scored by Jhon Murillo REUTERS/Juan Medina

MADRID (Reuters) - Lionel Messi returned to Argentina duty for the first time since the World Cup on Friday but it was a disappointing outing for the forward as they lost 3-1 to Venezuela and he was ruled out of their next match with a groin problem.

Messi showed flashes of brilliance but it was not his night as Venezuela put three past their more illustrious rivals for the first time with goals from Salomon Rondon, Jhon Murillo and Josef Martinez. Lautaro Martinez got Argentina's consolation.