Tempers flared as Lionel Messi exchanged heated words with Rodrygo after Argentina re-entered the field following the clash between fans and police at Maracana Stadium.
The kickoff was delayed by almost 30 minutes due to altercations among Brazilian and Argentine fans in the crowd, prompting police intervention to quell the violence.
Additionally, a number of spectators were observed tearing seats off stadium chairs and wielding them as weapons.
Messi had led La Albiceleste off the pitch due to clashes in the stands, where Brazilian police used batons to intervene between opposing fans
Messi had initially made the decision to take Argentina off the pitch, insisting they couldn’t play under the prevailing circumstances, per Sportskeeda.
Messi’s Maracana experience
Sports Brief recently reported on Messi’s best and worst moments at the Maracana Stadium.
The biggest heartbreak of his footballing career happened in this iconic venue, with Argentina losing to Germany 1-0 in the 2014 World Cup Final.
Messi found redemption at the Maracana seven years later when he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.