'We saw how the police were hitting people' - Lionel Messi on Brazil vs Argentina melee

The World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina became a nasty situation following an ugly altercation in the stands.

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.

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.

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.