Messi Voices Concerns Amidst Chaos at Maracana World Cup Qualifier

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Crowd trouble overshadows Argentina’s victory as Lionel Messi highlights potential tragedy, calling attention to safety concerns in football stadiums.

In a shocking turn of events, the World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil at the iconic Maracana Stadium was marred by crowd trouble, prompting Argentina captain Lionel Messi to express grave concerns about the potential for tragedy during the disturbances.

The chaos ensued before kick-off when scuffles erupted among rival fans in a section of the stadium containing players’ friends and family. Police responded by charging at Argentina’s supporters, using batons, leading to a dangerous situation that Messi believes “could have ended in tragedy.”

Messi, 36, stated, “It was bad because we saw how they were beating people. The police, as happened in the Libertadores final, were once again repressing the people with nightsticks. We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down.”

Nicolas Otamendi scored with a towering header to give Argentina a 1-0 away win over Brazil in a bad-tempered World Cup qualifier that was delayed by half an hour after police clashed with fans at a sold-out Maracana Stadium https://t.co/7QruEXUnyU

— Reuters (@Reuters) November 22, 2023

The Argentina players and some members of the Brazil team intervened, attempting to calm the situation. Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez even tried to disarm a police officer. The players left the field, returning only after police had separated Argentina fans into a designated section, allowing the game to resume after a 30-minute delay.

Brazil captain Marquinhos joined Argentina players in expressing concern, emphasizing the worry for families and children witnessing the chaotic scenes in the stands.

The incident follows recent scuffles between fans of Fluminense and Boca Juniors at the Maracana during the Copa Libertadores final, highlighting recurring security issues at the historic stadium.

Despite the unsettling circumstances, Argentina emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, securing their position at the top of the South American qualifying table. Brazil, on the other hand, suffered their first home World Cup qualifier defeat, placing them sixth in the standings.