Argentina star Lionel Messi has given his view on the police vs fans incident that happened during Argentina’s game against Brazil.
05:18 - 22.11.2023
Brazil vs Argentina: Bloody scenes at the Maracana as Brazilian police and Argentine fans clash
The Brazilian Police struggled to control fans from Argentina during the heated clash between rivals Brazil and Argentina.
Despite the scenario in the stand, Argentina came out victorious against Brazil at the Maracana Staduim.
Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi scored his team's winning goal as they secured a 1-0 win in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier group match.
Messi’s comment
The Maracana Stadium heated up and swiftly turned into a war zone between the police and the fans which did not go well for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
Brazil and Argentina were looking to bounce back from their previous losses in their last game but the match was overshadowed by the fans and police scene.
09:34 - 22.11.2023
Lionel Messi and Scaloni's Argentina relationship set to end
Lionel Messi is set to see his relationship with World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni come to an end after the latter announced his willingness to leave his role.
20:37 - 21.11.2023
Arsenal's Arteta weighs in on Messi and Ronaldo GOAT debate as he picks bizarre 5-a-side team
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta picks his ideal five-a-side team and names the most influential footballer of all time.
Leo Messi after the game said as reported by Fabrizio on X, “We saw how the police were hitting people also with some of our families here — it also happened in the Libertadores final.
“They are more focused on that than on playing the game. We are a family. We decided to play to make the situation more calm.”
According to reports, there was a violent altercation between the Brazilian Police force and fans, which caused the game to be delayed for thirty minutes.
During the playing of the national anthem, a brawl broke out between both supporters and the police intervened, charging at the crowds with batons and sticks.
A fan with blood on his face was seen on the pitch, while another fan was seen standing in the stands with the same injury.
The incident was later controlled by the police before both teams were allowed to resume the game which Argentina won at full-time.