A football match between Brazil and Argentina can be quoted as the most intense and high-profile rivalry of the sport. Whenever these two South American giants face each other, clashes are bound to happen. Be it on the field or off of it.
Something similar happened on Tuesday when both the teams came face to face for the World Cup Qualifiers. During the National anthem, a brawl broke into the stands of Maracanã Stadium, Brazil.
In a clash between the rival fan bases, Brazilian police took charge. However, they were accused of responding aggressively against the away fans.
The scene turned ugly when the police began to violently clear out the away stand with vicious baton charges.
This inhuman treatment of the fans did not sit well with the Argentine captain as Lionel Messi decided to walk off the field with his team.
Lionel Messi and his fellow World Champions returned to the pitch once the fights subdued. This entire mayhem caused a delay of 30 minutes to the kick-off.
However, the entire scenario was a major frustration for the Brazilian players as well. As the Argentine team returned to the pitch, there was a heated exchange between the two rival teams.
Lionel Messi was spotted clashing with the Brazilian forward Rodrygo. The duo exchanged words with Messi appearing to embrace the Selecao youngster by the neck.
According to TyC Sports, it started with Real Madrid and Brazilian winger Rodrygo accusing Messi, De Paul, and Argentina of being “cowards” after the Albiceleste captain walked off the field.
But reportedly, the Argentine captain did not stay silent. Messi retaliated – “We are the world champions, why are we cowards? Watch your mouth.”
After Messi left, De Paul was seen continuing the heated conversation with the Real Madrid forward. This prompted other players from both the teams to come forward and control the situation.
This disagreement fueled the online debate among the rival fan bases in no time.
Brazil came into the match having conceded back-to-back defeats in World Cup qualifiers for the first time in their history. Argentina, on the other hand, sits top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table with a five-point lead over fifth-placed Brazil.
The frustrations of Brazil’s players and their fans are completely justified due to their poor streak of results. Moreover, the injuries of Neymar and Vinicius adds uncertainty to Fernando Diniz’s side. But one thing that can be said with certainty is that a clash between Brazil and Argentina will always be entertaining and lively.
