Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Vinicius Júnior had frustrating nights in South American World Cup qualifying.

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.

Argentina will remain on the top of the 10-team round robin competition with 22 points in 11 matches. Brazil are provisionally in third place in the standings with 17 points

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.

(Reuters) -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 Junior's costly penalty miss resulted in Brazil dropping points against Venezuela in the 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Thursday night.

Brazil's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hit a snag after only managing a 1–1 draw with Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental de Maturín. After securing just two victories in its first six 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers,

Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela with Vinicius Junior missing a penalty in their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier on Thursday. The result leaves the five-times World Cup winners in third place on 17 points -- the top six South American teams qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup.

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.