Brazil-Argentina: South American legendary fixture delayed at start due to skirmish between Argentine fans and Brazil police; Messi and Co. walk off the field
Brazil and Argentina got into an early spat before the game when a skirmish started between Brazilian police authorities and Argentine fans before a pivotal clash at the historic Maracanã ahead of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Football legend Lionel Messi and Co. had to walk away owing to the trifle, later being introduced to the field after things went calm.
Brazil vs Argentina: a historic fixture
One has to be on his feet when two of the biggest nations in World Football, Brazil and Argentina face off against each other, and that too in an World cup qualifier. Both of these sides have been on top form since last world cup, held in Qatar, but, they seemed to have been entangled in an ugly spat which has marred the start of the game. Although Argentina reigned supreme over their arch-rivals owing to a Nicolas Otamendi, Argentina’s old general’s header, the game was seen as a fixture involving the match officials more in the game. Both of these sides were involved in more than 30 fouls, going more on the host’s way.
The match was delayed by more than half-hour as the clashed took center-stage. It was observed that locals and Argentine fans got involved in a brutal mayhem which resulted the Brazilian authorities to charge the Argentine contingent with batons. In response to the attack, Argentines threw chairs and stones hurling towards authorities, forcing Lionel Messi and Co. to leave the field. Fans, being panicked, ran on to the field to be saved from the Brazilians, as one of them was taken away from the stadium on stretcher.
Dibu rushes on the stands to stop violence
Argentine players were patiently waiting for everything to stop, as they calmed those who were near the stands. Goalkeeper Dibu Martinez was seen rushing towards a sergeant in urge to stop attacking, as after this, Messi took his brigade and left the field. He was heard saying after the game, “We saw how they [the police] were hitting people and many players had family members in that area. We couldn’t focused on playing the game. This also happened here in the Copa Libertadores. [The Brazilian police] again repressing the people.”
World Cup winners said their Brazilian counterparts that they would only take the field if the situation went calm. After almost 22 minutes, they took the field, after preparing for the game with a three-minute warm-up session.
Messi was further heard saying, “We decided to leave the field because it was impossible to play under those conditions. And we also thought we going back to the locker room could help to calm down the situation.”
After the game, which led to Argentina’s victory after a shock loss against Uruguay, Messi was heard condemning about the brawl which marred the spirit of the game. Taking to Instagram to express his grief, Messi said, “This team continues to make history…Great victory at the Maracanã although it will be marked by the repression of Argentina fans once again in Brazil. This madness can’t be tolerated, and it has to end now!!”
Brazil suffered three straight losses, with the defeat against Argentina is a salt-rub in their wounds, making them lose their first Home World Cup qualifier, as they are reeling on the sixth position, as World Champions Argentina reigned supreme on top, mustering 15 points from 6 games.
