Before choosing to leave the ground with his teammates, Messi was observed gesturing towards the altercation and speaking with the match officials.
In November 2023, The FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina was delayed by thirty minutes because of fighting between the opposing fan bases at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium. The kickoff of the highly anticipated blockbuster between the two South American football titans was scheduled for 6 AM (IST), but it was postponed owing to disruptions in the fans.
The players from Brazil and Argentina were lining up for their respective national anthems when the cameras moved to the stands and saw a group of Brazil and Argentina fans exchanging punches. The footballers on the pitch appeared to be taken aback by the startling images.
The scenes became harsher as police stepped in to calm the crowd unrest and used a lathi charge. At one end of the stadium, local police were spotted using batons to disperse Argentina fans. This certainly did not go well with Lionel Messi’s Argentina team.
Before choosing to leave the ground with his teammates, Messi was observed gesturing towards the altercation and speaking with the match officials. “We’re not playing, we’re leaving,” Messi appeared to say as he left the pitch with his team-mates.
Argentina’s players returned to the pitch shortly, and the action began at 6:30 a.m. (IST).
Many Argentinians believe that the quest for their country’s most recent World Cup triumph began officially more than two years ago at Maracana Stadium.
In the Copa America final, Ángel di Maria and Lionel Messi led the team to a 1-0 victory over Brazil, breaking their 28-year title drought.
There will be 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The top six South American countries will receive direct entry. A spot in an intercontinental playoff playoff is available to the club in seventh place.
