Many fans came to the Maracana Stadium to watch Lionel Messi play in what would possibly be his last game in Brazil, a superclasico in World Cup qualification against the hosts.
Instead, they witnessed Nicolás Otamendi score the only goal in Argentina’s 1-0 win, following a brawl between fans that delayed the start of the game.
The World Cup champions gave Brazil its first home defeat in World Cup qualification. Brazil’s third straight loss in the round-robin tournament was another setback for new coach Fernando Diniz.
Messi left the field in the 78th minute to jeers and applause from Brazil fans. Dozens of children attended the Maracana sporting Barcelona shirts, the star’s past club.
The violent pre-match incident, which began just after the national anthems, caused the game to be delayed for 27 minutes. Argentina went to the locker room for 22 minutes, led by Messi. At least one supporter has left the stadium bleeding from his head. Rio de Janeiro police claimed they had arrested eight persons due to the brawl.
The aggression amongst spectators was reflected on the pitch during the opening 20 minutes of the game when the referee called fouls against Brazil. The tension eased and allowed Argentina to avoid confrontation.
Argentina leads the 10-team South American qualifying tournament with 15 points after six games, followed by Uruguay (13 points) and Colombia (13 points). Brazil may finish the year in sixth place with seven points.