Lionel Messi reacts to violence on Argentina supporters at the Maracana
The World Cup qualifying game between Brazil and Argentina was overshadowed by the violence that occurred before the match between the supporters of both football powerhouses.
The violence erupted after both sets of fans began fighting during the national anthems, with police then charging at the travelling supporters. This led to mass fighting at various parts of the stand among the supporters
Some Argentina fans responded by ripping up seats while others ran onto the pitch to escape the violence. One fan was seen with a bloodied head. Argentina players were furious at the scenes, and Eminialo Martinez was seen desperately trying to convince the police to stop the violence.
The captain of the Argentine national team, Lionel Messi expressed his disgust with the way things went before the game.
He said,
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"This team continues to make history. Great victory in the Maracana, although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil. This can't be tolerated, it's insane and it needs to end now."
However, the Argentines had the last laugh as they won the game 1-0 which was scored by Nicolas Otamendi. This is the first time that Brazil will lose a World Cup qualifying game at home in the country's history.
