Argentine Super Star Lionel Messi and strike partner, Litauro Martinez have condemned the actions of the Brazillian police before the 2026 South American qualifier between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracana stadium.
The match was delayed by half an hour following crowd trouble in the stands, which started before kick-off and during the national anthems.
In response, Brazilian police charged at the Argentina fans, with the fighting taking place in a section of the stadium that contained the visiting players’ families and friends.
Video footage shows that some Argentina supporters ripped up seats to throw at the police, who were wielding batons, while others attempted to escape the scene.
Led by Messi, the Argentina players went over to try and calm the situation. Images showed the Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez trying to climb the hoarding to stop a police officer wielding a baton before being pulled away by team-mates.
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 courtesy of Otamendi’s bullet header in the 63rd minute of the emcounter.