A real uproar broke out in the stands of the Maracanã before the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between hosts Brazil and Argentina. It was supposed to be a football celebration, but the disorganization in the legendary stadium led to an outburst of unnecessary, ugly violence, "and this is not happening for the first time," protested Leo Messi.
The main problem was the lack of separation between the fan camps, which the police tried to solve too late and through violence, which, of course, was directed at the Argentine fans. The use of batons led to a number of injuries, with at one point some of the fans – Argentines and Brazilians – fleeing onto the pitch. At least one of them, an Argentine, lay down near the lines, bleeding.
Argentina vs Brazil game going crazy 😭 pic.twitter.com/FNMdRTXjjv
— ⛧ (@cartierflaws) November 22, 2023
"It also happened in the final of the Libertadores. Brazilian police again harassed Argentine fans. It's unacceptable," Messi fumed, "that's why we went down to the dressing room. This cannot happen again." The Argentina star even confronted Brazil player Rodrigo who called the guests "cowards". Messi replied: "Who do you call cowards, we are world champions."
The one who couldn't control his nerves was Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who tried to climb into the stands and confront the Brazilian police. He was stopped by his friends, but only after he managed to pounce on one of the policemen and grab his hand. He was immediately pulled down, cursing. Watch him go wild.
Argentina vs Brazil has always been an exciting fixture but not once did I expect to see this 😭pic.twitter.com/Apg3dChthY
— Reasons (@LFCReasons) November 22, 2023
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