Lionel Messi’s Argentina made history by inflicting their first ever home defeat on Brazil 1-0 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, but it was the altercations in the stands before the game began that drew the attention.
In fact, the “Superclasico” was delayed by almost 30 minutes due to problems faced by Argentine and Brazilian fans in the stands of the legendary Maracana. The police officers present at the scene attempted to use force to calm the spirits, which resulted in quite disturbing images.
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The reigning world champion, accompanied by the captain of the “Seleçao” Marquinhos, approached the area where the violence occurred. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez even tried to intervene to defend his team.
🚨🚨 INCREDIBLE PICTURES! 😱😱
Emiliano Martinez defended the Argentine fans who were attacked by Brazilian police in the stands of the Maracana on the sidelines of the Brazil – Argentina pitch. pic.twitter.com/hJZ4ZZXi0h
— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) November 22, 2023
Furthermore, Messi explained that this is not the first time that incidents of this type have occurred. However, he and his teammates preferred to play the game to ease tensions.
“We saw the police trying to beat people, especially in the presence of several of our families,” the current Inter Miami player said after the game, whose comments were relayed by journalist Fabrizio Romano. They focus on that more than the game.
hostility
However, the tension on the pitch between the 22 players still seemed to be high when the referee gave the kick-off to the game. We experienced some pretty heated moments, especially in the first few minutes of the meeting between the two countries. No fewer than 10 Brazilian fouls were reported against three Argentinians, even though the game was only 20 minutes old. At the end of the game, a red card was even handed out to Brazilian striker Joelinton.
Messi even took the liberty of saying a few words to striker Rodrygo. The latter would have described the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s teammates as “cowards”.
🚨 The dialogue between Lionel Messi and Rodrygo before the match between Argentina and Brazil.
Rodrygo to Lionel Messi: “You cowards.”
Lionel Messi: “We are world champions, why are we cowards? Be careful what you say.” About @TyCSports. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/UhFE7Ek4mb
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2023
The only goal of the game was scored by defender Nicolás Otamendi’s header, which was well served after a corner by Giovanni Lo Celso in the 63rd minute. Argentina tops the CONMEBOL qualifying group while Brazil is sixth.