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The CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at the Marcana Stadium on Tuesday night was marred by a massive riot in the stands even before the kick-off. The fight led the record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi take his team off the field to protest against the brutal fight and police appeared to beat the Argentine fans.
The match was resumed after a 27-minute halt as the fans from both sides engaged in a massive brawl. The three-time World Cup winners, Argentina reportedly told Brazil officials they would only return to the pitch after the situation was calm.
Watch Argentina walk off the pitch:
Minutes before the kick-off, fans engaged in a massive brawl that erupted in chaos at the Marcana Stadium. In viral videos on social media, Brazilian police appeared to use batons against the Argentine fans to control the situation as all 69,000 tickets for the match were sold.
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While moving out, Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez raced to one of the rails and made an effort to stop the police from beating the Argentine fans.
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Both Brazil fans and players looked annoyed with Leo Messi and Argentina after they walked off as the Brazilian forward Rodrygo exchanged words with the Inter Miami captain on their return. According to reports, the Real Madrid forward told Messi, “You cowards.” The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner responded, “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Look at your mouth.”
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Messi also reflected on the brutal aggression of the security forces at the Maracaná and said in Spanish, which can be translated to, "We saw how they were hitting the people, as happened in the final of the Libertadores. Again repressing the people."
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Talking about the match, Argentina defeated 10-men Brazil 1-0 as centre-back Nicolas Otamendi scored the winner for La Albiceleste in the 63rd minute. On the other hand, Brazil's Joelinton received a red card in the 81st minute, which sparked another controversy in the game. However, the Argentina team celebrated with the fans after winning the game as videos have gone viral on social media.
With this win, Argentina became the first nation to beat the five-time World champions at home in a World Cup Qualifier. Argentina are currently leading the points table with five wins in six matches while Brazil are placed sixth with seven points in six matches. In the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Brazil will next host Ecuador while Argentina will face Chile in September next year.
