Messi hits out after violence erupts in Brazil vs Arg WCQ

Lionel Messi has spoken out after the shocking scenes of violence that erupted during Argentina's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Brazil on Wednesday morning. 

The reigning world champions emerged as 1-0 victors over the Selecao courtesy of 63rd minute goal by Benfica star Nicolas Otamendi, maintaining the nation's spot at the top of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) 2026 World Cup qualifying table.

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However, the result was overshadowed by violent altercations at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium, with the two sets of fans at each other's throats, resulting in the start of the match being delayed by half an hour.

One major incident took place behind one of the goals, seeing police charge at the travelling supporters with night sticks drawn, according to reports. 

It is further claimed some fans threw seats at the officials while others rushed on to the pitch to get away from the conflict, with one person being seen with a bloodied face and needing a stretcher to take him away from the chaos. 

In footage found on social media, Messi can be seen walking towards some Argentine fans who were being beaten by police, before waving his index finger and shaking his head while leading his team off of the pitch, suggesting that he saw it unfit to play under such conditions. 

The players, however, did return to the pitch once the situation de-escalated.

Messi, however, has since hit out at what transpired, saying that such behaviour should immediately be brought to a halt following violent clashes between fans during a fixture between Argentina's Boca Juniors and Brazil's Fluminense in a Copa Libertadores match in Rio earlier this month. 

"Tonight we made history, but it's important to say that it'll be marked by the repression of Brazilians against Argentinians once again," he said after the game, per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

"It can't be accepted. It's madness. It had to stop immediately. 

"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 situation more calm."

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