The kickoff of the Brazil v Argentina World Cup qualifier faced a 30-minute delay due to violent clashes between police and visiting fans at Maracana Stadium. Argentine captain Lionel Messi criticized the Brazilian police for brutality, citing the use of night sticks against fans engaged in a brawl during the national anthems. Some Argentine fans responded by hurling seats at the officers, causing panic as spectators fled onto the pitch.
In an attempt to restore order, Messi and the Argentina team approached the terraces before eventually retreating to the dressing room. Messi expressed concern for families and spectators, emphasizing that the situation could have turned tragic. Brazil captain Marquinhos echoed these worries, emphasizing the distress of seeing women and children in panic in the stands.
After police corralled the visiting fans, the match resumed with a significant delay.
Argentina secured a 1-0 victory with a 63rd-minute goal from defender Nicolas Otamendi, celebrating the triumph in front of their fans at the end of the stadium where the turmoil had erupted.
The defeat marked Brazil’s third consecutive loss, compounded by midfielder Joelinton’s expulsion 18 minutes from time.