Lionel Messi leads team off pitch as violence erupts at Brazil vs Argentina

22 November 2023 , 01:06

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Argentina's forward Lionel Messi and teammates leave the field due to incidents in the stands before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 21, 2023. (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP) (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)

Lionel Messi led his team off the pitch and into the dressing rooms as violent scenes at the Maracana saw Argentina's clash with Brazil delayed moments before kickoff.

The two South American rivals were due to face off in Rio de Janeiro in a World Cup qualifier. But violence erupted with fans from both teams fighting in the stands just before the game began.

The close proximity of the two sets of rival fans appeared to cause problems as they clashed. Police seemed to launch a baton charge at Argentina supporters during the Brazil national anthem as the trouble escalated.

Messi and his teammates briefly climbed the pitchside advertising hoardings to approach the section where trouble was breaking out behind the goal and try to appeal for calm. Brazil players including Messi's former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Marquinhos were seen doing the same to no avail.

There were ugly scenes in the stands as Argentina fans clashed with police (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)

Further footage appeared to show Emiliano Martinez jumping up towards the stands and trying to grab a baton from a police officer before being pushed back down. Soon after, Messi ushered the team off the pitch and back to the dressing room and kickoff was delayed.

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Brazil's players remained on the pitch awaiting kickoff with their opponents sat inside. Local reports stated that Argentina had asked for 15 minutes for the situation to calm down.

Eventually, some order was restored and Argentina returned to the field, although when they did return, Messi exchanged words with Brazil star Rodrygo. The game was able to get underway around half an hour later than originally planned.

Police used batons on visiting supporters as violence flared just before kickoff (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images)

It was a huge game for both sides, with Brazil welcoming the world champions having lost back-to-back qualifying games for the first time in their history. Ahead of the game, caretaker manager Fernando Diniz addressed the need to try and stop talisman Messi.

"Sure, you can't not worry about a player of that magnitude. But we have to play our game as we try to contain all the creative capacity he has," Diniz told a press conference on Monday.

"Dealing with Messi is obviously different and you have to worry. It's impossible not to worry about a player of his stature and the decision-making power he has."

Argentina beat Brazil in the Copa America final two years ago before going on to win last year's World Cup in Qatar. Brazil entered the game fifth in the South American standings on seven points from five games with Argentina leading the way on 12 points.

Rich Jones