Brazil suffered its first home defeat in the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday (22), against Argentina, which won 1-0.
However, this is not the most important thing to mention about the match, which was overshadowed by a night of violence and chaos at the iconic Maracanã stadium.
After the fight broke out between the two groups of fans – who were sitting together at one end of the stadium – during the national anthems, the Brazilian police intervened to suppress the violence, but their violent approach towards the Argentine fans enraged Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentine team.
The Inter Miami forward first, along with his teammates, went to the stands where the conflict was occurring and pleaded with the police and Argentine fans – some of whom were seen throwing seats at the security – for calm.
Some photos show children crying in the stands and a woman carrying a child in her arms while trying to climb over the seats and escape the violence.
In a striking moment, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez climbed into the stands and grabbed the arm of a police officer to try to prevent him from using his baton on an Argentine fan.
Messi then led the team off the field and back to the locker rooms, where they remained for 10 minutes. The match finally started 30 minutes late.
In a statement published on its website, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said that mixed fans are “standard” at matches organized by FIFA – the global governing body of football – and by the South American football governing body, CONMEBOL.
The CBF stated that 1,050 private security personnel and 700 military police “were working to ensure the match.”
“Therefore, the CBF reaffirms that the action plan, security, and operation of the match were strictly followed, approved by the Military Police of RJ and other authorities.”
The Military Police of the State of Brazil said in a statement that its officers “were involved in a fight between fans,” adding that eight people were arrested, including a woman for allegedly racially abusing a Maracanã worker.
Returning to football, the victory keeps Argentina at the top of the World Cup qualifiers, while Brazil is now in sixth place and has not won in four matches under interim coach Fernando Diniz, who recently led Fluminense to glory in the Copa Libertadores.
There are 18 rounds in the South American World Cup qualifying system, with the top six teams advancing to the 2026 event, while the seventh-placed team will go to the FIFA playoff tournament, which will involve six countries from other continents.
Source: CNN