Argentina win in Brazil marred by violence as Lionel Messi claims there 'could have been a tragedy'
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Updated 22/11/2023 at 09:47 GMT
Lionel Messi said violent scenes before Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Brazil inside the Maracana "could have ended in tragedy". Police and fans clashed before the game, forcing a 30-minute delay to kick-off and concerns from players over the safety of supporters. Incredibly, it was the first World Cup qualifier Brazil have lost at home in history.
Watch moment Argentina players seek to calm violence in stands
Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro was marred by violence as police and fans clashed in scenes Lionel Messi said “could have ended in tragedy.”
Fighting broke out in the stands during the national anthems and Brazilian police then clashed with a section of Argentina supporters.
Messi and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez were among the Argentina players who tried to interject and calm the situation down.
Nicolas Otamendi's header saw Argentina win 1-0 and consolidate their lead at the top of the South American 2026 World Cup qualifying table.
"It was bad because we saw how they were beating people," said Messi, per BBC Sport.
"The police, as happened in the Libertadores final, were once again repressing the people with sticks.
"We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, it could have ended in tragedy.
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Fans of Argentina clash with Brazilian police before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 21, 2023.
Image credit: Getty Images
"You think about the families, the people who are there, who don't know what's going on and we were more concerned about that than playing a match that, at that point, was of secondary importance."
Video footage showed scuffles between opposing supporters before kick-off.
And Martinez appeared to attempt to stop a policeman from using his baton during chaotic scenes that were reminiscent of the Copa Libertadores final earlier this month at the same venue when fans of Brazil’s Fluminense and Argentina’s Boca Juniors clashed.
Messi posted on Instagram after the game to call for an end to what he described as the “repression” of Argentinian supporters in Brazil.
“This team continues to make history,” Messi wrote.
“Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil. This can't be tolerated. It's crazy and it needs to end now!!"
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Highlights: Otamendi header sees Argentina defeat Brazil at Maracana
Brazil captain Marquinhos also tried to restore peace alongside the Argentina players.
"We were worried about the families, women and children, that we were seeing in panic up there in the stands,” he said.
"Down on the pitch it was hard for us to understand what was going on, it was a very scary situation."
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Lionel Messi of Argentina and teammates react as police officers clash with fans prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Image credit: Getty Images
Argentina’s players returned to the dressing room as kick-off was delayed by 30 minutes.
The world champions' victory also saw Brazil’s Joelinton sent off late on.
It was the first time the hosts have ever lost a home World Cup qualifying match after a 64-match unbeaten run.
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