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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Fans clashed before kickoff, World Cup champs left pitch</li><li>Police shown battling Argentinian fans</li><li>Game eventually started 30 minutes late</li></ul>

Brawl in crowd forces delay of Argentina's World Cup qualifier at Brazil as Lionel Messi leads team-mates into dressing room

Violence broke out between Brazil and Argentina fans prior to their World Cup qualifying clash at the Maracana on Tuesday night, leading to the reigning World Cup champions walking off the field moments before scheduled kickoff. The two sides eventually opened play 30 minutes late.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Albiceleste and Selecao fans reportedly clashed when the home support started booing Argentina's national anthem. Local police intervened, but the violence only increased. Messi and the Argentina squad rushed over to the stands to stop the scuffle, but left the pitch when it became clear that there was no imminent end.Brazil's players stayed on the field and awaited the visitors' return.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Some Argentina players tried to get involved in the scuffle, with Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez attempting to reach his way into the crowd.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">EL DIBU DEFENDIENDO A LOS HINCHAS ARGENTINOS EN MEDIO DE LA REPRESIÓN POLICIAL <a href="https://t.co/iEXBISudaW">pic.twitter.com/iEXBISudaW</a>— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TyCSports/status/1727126820875620854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

AND WHAT'S MORE

Argentina went on to win the match, 1-0, on a goal from Nicolas Otamendi, becoming the first team to top Brazil at the Maracana in World Cup qualifying.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Brawl in crowd forces delay of Argentina's World Cup qualifier at Brazil as Lionel Messi leads team-mates into dressing room | Goal.com English Kuwait

Argentina captain Lionel Messi led his team off the pitch before kickoff as Argentina fans clashed with Brazilian police

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