The Maracana brawl is why Messi left the field

 

Messi leaving the field Photo: AFP

An incredible scene unfolded at the Maracana. Before the start of the match, the spectators started rioting in the gallery. That is why the Brazil-Argentina match did not start at the scheduled time. The news agency AFP reported that Brazilian police beat Argentina supporters in a part of the Maracana gallery.

According to news agency Reuters, brawls broke out between Brazil and Argentina fans during the national anthem. Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in this match which started about half an hour late.

Argentinian media TYC Sports reported that the Brazilian fans started throwing seats at the Argentine fans when they sang the national anthem. At one stage, the police went to the spot and started baton.

Whatever the reason, Argentinian captain Lionel Messi did not take the police baton well. He left the field with his teammates at one stage with a hard face. Why did Messi leave the field and go to the dressing room? After the match, Messi told the Argentinian media TYC Sports that reason.

The Argentine star said that he went back to the dressing room to calm down the situation. Messi commented, 'Because that's the way to calm everything down.' Then he said, 'We saw how they (the police) were beating people. Something bad could have happened. When things calmed down a bit we looked for the relatives. Find out about everything. Then return to the field.

Messi's jubilation after the win Photo: AFP

Messi was flawless throughout the match. Messi said this is his last match this year, fighting with injury, "It was my last match this year. I have time now to fully recover. I will prepare for a great year after a minor injury and a great pre-season.'

Nicolas Otamendi's goal ended Messi's year with a win over Argentina. Argentina lost against Uruguay in the last match after four consecutive victories in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Latin America. Lionel Scaloni's team secured top spot with 15 points from six games after beating Brazil. On the other hand, after three consecutive losses, Brazil is now number six in the points list.