In a heated 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, Argentina emerged victorious over Brazil with a 1-0 scoreline, thanks to a decisive 63rd-minute header by veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.
The clash, held at Rio’s iconic Maracana Stadium, was marred by pre-match crowd trouble, leading to a delayed kick-off.
Tensions flared in the stands moments before the scheduled start, as Brazilian police used batons to disperse a group of Argentine fans.
In response, some Argentina players, including goalkeeper Emi Martinez, attempted to intervene, seeking to calm the situation. Emotions escalated further as Martinez approached a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer in an effort to restore order.
As a result of the disturbances, Argentina’s players, led by Lionel Messi, temporarily left the field, with Messi expressing, “We’re not playing, we’re leaving.”
The 2022 World Cup winners later returned to the pitch shortly before 10 pm local time, with the match kicking off approximately 30 minutes later than initially scheduled.
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The intensity of the pre-match atmosphere carried onto the field, as evidenced by an early clash between Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus and Argentina’s Rodrigo De Paul, resulting in a yellow card for Jesus just five minutes into the game.
Despite the challenges, Argentina’s victory at the Maracana Stadium propels them to the top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games, while Brazil finds themselves in sixth place with seven points from six games after suffering their third defeat in qualifying.
AFP