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Many fans packed the Maracana Stadium on Tuesday to see Lionel Messi play in what was likely his final match in Brazil, a superclasico in World Cup qualifying against the hosts. Instead, they witnessed Nicolás Otamendi score the only goal in Argentina’s 1-0 victory following a brawl between fans that delayed the start of the game.
The World Cup champions handed Brazil its first home defeat in World Cup qualifying. Brazil’s third straight loss in the round-robin tournament was another setback for new coach Fernando Diniz.
Messi exited the field in the 78th minute to jeers and applause from Brazil fans. Dozens of children arrived at the Maracana wearing Barcelona and Inter Miami shirts, the star’s previous clubs.
The Argentine star, however, was unable to break through one of his last barriers in the sport by scoring against the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifier at the Maracana.
Argentina will return home not only atop the South American qualifying standings but also having given its fans one more opportunity to celebrate a victory at Rio de Janeiro’s historic stadium. ngel di Maria scored the only goal in an empty Maracana two years ago to give his team the Copa América title.
The violent pre-match incident, which began shortly after the national anthems, caused the game to be delayed for 27 minutes. Argentina went to the locker room for 22 minutes, led by Messi. At least one fan was bleeding from the head as he exited the stadium. Rio de Janeiro police said they had arrested eight people as a result of the brawl.
The aggression between fans was reflected on the field during the first 20 minutes of the game, when the referee called fouls on Brazil. Argentina was able to avoid direct confrontation because the tensions had subsided.
Brazil vs Argentina | World Cup Qualifiers
Brazil squandered chances, with Raphinha’s free kick in the 38th minute and Cristian Romero saving Argentina near the goal line six minutes later after Gabriel Martinelli’s crossed shot.
After the interval, Brazil made it clear that they would keep up the pressure. Rodrygo forced Dibu Martinez to make a close-range save in the 54th minute.
Argentina’s goal in the 63rd minute came from a header by Otamendi, who jumped above the Brazilian defenders to meet a corner kick. It was one of the team’s few chances.
The aggression between fans was reflected on the field during the first 20 minutes of the game, when the referee called fouls on Brazil. Argentina was able to avoid direct confrontation because the tensions had subsided.
The top six South American teams will have direct entry into the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The seventh-place team has a chance to advance to an intercontinental playoff.
Colombia defeated Paraguay 1-0 on Tuesday, Uruguay defeated Bolivia 3-0 in Montevideo, and Ecuador defeated Chile 1-0.
Peru and Venezuela were still playing when Brazil vs. Argentina ended.
After the next Copa América in the United States, the seventh and eighth rounds of South American qualifying will take place in September.
