Bivash
highly charged and chaotic atmosphere during a World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracanã stadium.
Argentina won the match 1-0, marking Brazil's first-ever home World Cup qualifying defeat.
The match was marred by violence and chaos in the stands. Fighting between fans of both teams broke out during the national anthems, leading to a delay in the start of the match.
Brazilian police intervened to control the violence, but their approach angered Lionel Messi and the Argentine team. Messi and his teammates pleaded for calm, and there were instances of heavy-handed policing, including the use of batons.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez climbed into the stands to prevent a police officer from using a baton on an Argentina fan. Lionel Messi led the team off the pitch for 10 minutes in protest.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) mentioned that having mixed fans in the stands was standard in FIFA and CONMEBOL-organized matches.
They emphasized that the security plan was followed as approved by the military police.
Eight people, including a woman accused of racially abusing a Maracanã worker, were reportedly arrested.
Argentina's manager, Lionel Scaloni, expressed uncertainty about his future in the role, citing the high expectations and the need for a coach with maximum energy.
The win keeps Argentina at the top of World Cup qualifying, while Brazil is in sixth place, without a win in four matches under interim head coach Fernando Diniz.
The top six teams in South America's World Cup qualifying system progress to the 2026 event, with the seventh-placed country entering the FIFA play-off tournament.
Messi mentioned the concern for families in the stands due to the violence and emphasized the significance of the win given the challenging circumstances.
Any further developments or official statements may provide additional details or perspectives on the incident.