The start of the World Cup qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium faced a half-hour delay due to clashes between police and visiting fans, prompting Argentina captain Lionel Messi to accuse the Brazilian police of brutality.
The trouble erupted behind one of the goals during the national anthems, leading to fights between Brazilian and Argentine fans. Police charged at the visiting contingent with nightsticks drawn, escalating tensions further. In response, Argentina fans tore up seats and hurled them at the officers, causing panic among other spectators who rushed onto the pitch to escape the violence.
One Argentina fan was left bloodied on the field and had to be taken from the stadium on a stretcher. The Argentina team attempted to calm the situation by approaching the terraces before eventually leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room.
Messi, in a pitchside interview, expressed his concern: “It was bad because we saw how they were beating people… The police, as it already happened in the Libertadores final, were once again repressing the people with nightsticks; there were players who had families over there.” He emphasized the decision to go to the locker room was to prevent a potential tragedy and expressed greater concern for the families in the stands.
Brazil captain Marquinhos, who interacted with Messi and the Argentina players in an attempt to calm the situation, shared similar worries about the families in the stands, describing the situation as “very scary.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for the safety of players, fans, staff, and managers. “Without exception, all players, fans, staff, and managers need to be safe and protected to play and enjoy football,” he stated.
Following police efforts to corral the visiting fans into a designated area, the match eventually resumed after a prolonged delay. Argentina went on to win 1-0 with a 63rd-minute headed goal from defender Nicolas Otamendi, celebrating the victory in front of their fans at the end of the ground where the disturbances occurred. The defeat marked a third consecutive loss for five-time World Cup winners Brazil, who had midfielder Joelinton sent off 18 minutes from time.
