Brazil vs Argentina: Turmoil and Violence Cast Shadow over Historic World Cup Qualifier at Maracanã Stadium
Unforgettable clash: Argentina's historic 1-0 victory over Brazil in the World Cup qualifier at Maracanã stadium marred by shocking violence and chaos, marking Brazil's first-ever home defeat in the qualifiers
Brazil experienced its inaugural home World Cup qualifying loss on Tuesday when Argentina secured a 1-0 victory in a night marred by violence and chaos at the renowned Maracanã stadium.
Nicolas Otamendi's powerful header in the final nine minutes sealed a monumental win for Argentina and marked Brazil's first-ever three straight qualifying defeats in the history of the Seleçãos.
Soccer Football - World Cup - South American Qualifiers - Colombia v Brazil - Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Melendez, Barranquilla, Colombia - November 16, 2023
Luis Manuel Diaz father of Colombia's Luis Diaz celebrates after the match REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez
Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters
Luis Díaz's performance inspired Colombia to an emotional victory, with his father watching from the stands after being released from a kidnapping. However, the match was marred by violence in the stands, causing a delay in the start of the World Cup qualifier.
Following the eruption of violence between the two groups of fans seated together at one end of the stadium during the national anthems, Brazilian police intervened to control the situation. However, their aggressive tactics towards the Argentine supporters angered Lionel Messi and the rest of the national team.
Taking action, Inter Miami forward Messi approached the stand where the fighting was occurring and urged both the police and Argentine fans, some of whom were throwing ripped out seats at security officials, to remain calm.
The stands captured heart-wrenching images of sobbing children, one woman carrying her child as she struggled to navigate through the seats, seeking to escape from the chaos and violence. Adding to the remarkable moment, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez ascended to the stands and intervened, tugging the arm of a police officer in an attempt to stop him from using his baton on an Argentina fan.
Emi Martinez attempts to restrain a police officer.
Ricardo Moraes/Reuters
Messi then led the team off the pitch and back into the changing rooms where they stayed for 10 minutes. The match eventually kicked off 30 minutes late.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) published a statement on its website stating that mixed fans are considered "standard" in matches organized by FIFA and South American football's governing body CONMEBOL. The statement also emphasized that this model was not created or enforced by the CBF, and mentioned that 1,050 private security guards and 700 military police officers were employed to ensure the security of the match.
The CBF affirms that the approved action, security, and operation plan for the match were strictly adhered to, as approved by the RJ Military Police and other authorities.
According to a statement from Brazil's state military police, officers were involved in a scuffle among fans, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals, including a woman for allegedly racially abusing a worker at Maracanã.
CONMEBOL and the Argentine football federation did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment.
"The truth is that this team continues to accomplish historic feats, once again," Messi told reporters after the match, according to Reuters. "Obviously, it was not a good start because we witnessed how they were mistreating people."
We consider the family, the individuals present who are unaware of the situation, and our concern for them outweighs our focus on playing a match. At that moment, the match became less important.
Otamendi's header earned Argentina a famous win.
Ricardo Moraes/Reuters
Following this unexpected turn of events, winning the game in this manner is arguably one of the group's most significant victories. It's a great feeling to secure a win here in Brazil, especially given their strong track record at home.
"I need to take some time to carefully consider my next steps," Scaolini informed the reporters. "It's not farewell or anything similar, but the standards are extremely high. It's a complex situation to move forward.
"It's a challenge to maintain a winning streak, and these opponents certainly make it a challenge. It's time for me to reflect on this, and I will communicate this to the president and the players. This team requires a coach with boundless energy."
Argentina's victory maintains their top position in the World Cup qualifying standings, while Brazil has slipped to sixth place and remains winless in four matches under interim head coach Fernando Diniz, who previously guided Fluminense to Copa Libertadores success.
Messi celebrates the victory after the final whistle.
Wagner Meier/Getty Images
The South American World Cup qualifying system consists of 18 rounds, resulting in the top six teams advancing to the 2026 event. The seventh-placed country will participate in the FIFA play-off tournament, which includes six countries from other continents. This reporting includes contributions from CNNs Duarte Mendonça.
