World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America's big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday.

Venezuela held Brazil to a 1-1 draw with a second-half strike from Telasco Segovia in South American World Cup qualifying. Vinicius Junior missed a penalty. The Real Madrid player headlined the match but for the wrong reasons.

Argentina and Brazil faced tough nights in World Cup qualifiers, with Argentina losing 2-1 to Paraguay and Brazil drawing 1-1 with Venezuela. Messi and Vinicius Júnior had challenging performances, affecting their teams' standings.

Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Venezuela after a quick-fire second-half strike by substitute Telasco Segovia canceled out Raphinha's opener for the dominant visitors in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Lionel Messis Argentina Fall to Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, Brazil Held by Venezuela on Frustrating Thursday (November 14) for South American big guns.

Brazil had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Venezuela after a quick-fire second-half strike by substitute Telasco Segovia canceled out Raphinha's opener for the dominant visitors in the South American World Cup qualifiers on Thursday.

Vinicius Jr's Brazilian disappointment continued Thursday night, as the Real Madrid winger endured another forgettable showing in the Selecao's 1-1 draw with Venezuela in Conmebol World Cup qualifying.