Lionel Messi made his international return on Friday but could not prevent Argentina from losing 3-1 to Venezuela in a friendly in Madrid.

It was Messi’s first match for Argentina since since their defeat to France in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Salomon Rondon, John Murillo and Josef Martinez scored for Venezuela, while Messi helped set up Argentina’s only goal with a pass to Giovani Lo Celso,who in turn fed Lautaro Martinez inside the area.

“He played well,” insisted Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni after the match, adding that Messi had been instrumental in all the chances they created.

“All the chances we created were due to the confusion he caused. During the second half we saw more team work from him.”

Messi will be unavailable play in Argentina’s next friendly against Morocco in Tangier on Tuesday after picking up a groin injury.

Watch more post-match thoughts from Scaloni above.