Shortly before the Argentina vs. Brazil match at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã stadium on Tuesday, violent incidents erupted in the stands, prompting the Argentine players to leave the field. Following the singing of both countries’ anthems, clashes between fans escalated, leading the Brazilian Military Police to intervene, reportedly repressing Argentine fans.
Numerous social media videos depict uniformed officers wielding truncheons against Argentine fans, while attendees retaliate by throwing chairs at the police. In an attempt to evade the police actions, several Argentine fans jumped from the stands. In response, players from both teams bypassed the protective barriers between the field and the stands to pacify their respective supporters.
A video captured Argentina’s goalkeeper, “Dibu” Martínez, facing off with the police. In the face of the escalating situation, Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain, directed his teammates to retreat to the locker room, while the Brazilian national team remained on the field. Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, intervened, engaging with coaching staff and referees near the Argentine fan section.
Approximately 20 minutes later, the Argentine team returned to the field, and the match commenced, albeit 30 minutes behind schedule. Despite the disruptions, Argentina emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Brazil.
This incident follows reports of Boca Juniors’ fans, an Argentine club, being assaulted by Fluminense’s fans, a Brazilian club, on a Rio beach just days before the Copa Libertadores final. The Tuesday match was part of the sixth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
