Argentina captain Lionel Messi has reacted harshly to the crowd clash at the Maracana Stadium. The potentinal ‘tragedy’ happened ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification match between Argentina and Brazil. Messi also denounced the Brazilian security officers’ treatment of the travelling fans.
After crowd violence occurred before the much-anticipated match in Rio de Janeiro’s historic stadium on Wednesday, Messi backed Argentina fans.
Lionel Messi harsh words after Argentina vs Brazil
Argentina captain Lionel Messi had to lead his colleagues back to the locker room during their game against Brazil at the Maracana Stadium. The two groups of fans in the stand got into a confrontation. That resulted in the local police force stationed at the stadium using baton charges on the away fans.
In response to violence in the stands during the national anthems, Brazilian police charged Argentinian fans. As panic gripped the section of fans amid the crowd unrest, a bloodied fan was stretchered from the pitch. Seats were pulled from the stands and hurled at police officers, as a few fans fled onto the pitch for protection. Rio de Janeiro police claimed they had arrested eight persons as a result of the brawl.
Lionel Messi is not one to keep quiet when something is going on. He took to Instagram after the game and spoke about the same. His post was captioned, ‘This team continues to make history. Great victory at the Maracaná although it will be marked by the repression of Argentines once again in Brazil. This cannot be tolerated, it is crazy and it has to end now!!’
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Argentina’s players appeared stunned as Brazilian police forcibly attempted to disperse the feuding fan base. After a 27-minute delay, Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0. Argentina handed the hosts their third consecutive setback in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Messi had some more words on the situation
The antagonism was also obvious on the pitch, with Lionel Messi engaging in a verbal spat with Rodrygo during the 1-0 victory. According to TyC Sports, the Real Madrid and Brazilian winger referred to Messi and his teammates as cowards, to which the Argentine captain responded, “We are the world champions, why are we cowards?” Take a look at your mouth.”
When questioned why Lionel Messi led Argentina’s players off the pitch during the crowd unrest, the iconic player stated that the Argentina team was more concerned with the safety of their fans and that the match itself was “secondary.”
Speaking more about the situation, Lionel Messi said,‘A tragedy could have happened. It’s pure repression against Argentinians. It can’t be accepted. It’s madness. It had to stop immediately. We saw here how the police were hitting people… it’s not the first time it happens in Brazil.’
Messi continued, ‘There were also some of our families there — and the same happened in the Copa Libertadores final. They are more focused on that… than on playing the game on the pitch. We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down and avoid tragedy.’
“We keep making history and achieve big things”.
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