Brazil fans chant Lionel Messi’s name ahead of kick-off as the hosts put aside their historic rivalry to celebrate the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at the Maracana before feisty 1-0 win for the World Cup winners
- Lionel Messi and Argentina stayed top of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying
- Messi was also seen in a heated debate with Brazilian star forward Rodrygo
- It’s the world against Everton – it can galvanise the players to stay up – IAKO
Lionel Messi was greeted with chants of his name by Brazil fans ahead of their 1-0 defeat to the Inter Miami star’s Argentina on Tuesday as he warmed up before kick-off.
It was an incident-packed match at the Maracana Stadium, which was delayed by 27 minutes due to problems in the crowd with fights breaking out between rival fans, prompting police intervention.
The Argentina skipper was quick to comment on the police involvement, claiming that his side were more focused on the activity in the stands at the start of the game, which they ultimately won.
But despite the historic rivalry between the two neighbouring South American giants, there was plenty of love being sent the way of the Albiceleste skipper before all the chaos began.
As he warmed up for the match to come, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was treated to a hero’s welcome at the Maracana stadium, with fans chanting ‘Mess! Messi! Messi!’
Video from before kick-off showed Lionel Messi waving at Brazil fans chanting his name
Messi and Argentina went on to win the game 1-0 after a towering header from Nicolas Otamendi
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had a quiet game but his side came out on top in Rio de Janeiro
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The legendary forward obliged with a wave and smile for his admirers as he continued his preparation for the game.
Whether the supporters were still cheering him on by the end of the game is doubtful, however, with the visitors coming away with a 1-0 win to take back to Buenos Aires.
Nicolas Otamendi’s towering header on 63 minutes from a Giovani Lo Celso corner was the only goal in a game that was repeatedly punctuated with fouls and disruptions, with 22 fouls in the first half alone.
He was also spotted deep in conversation with Rodrygo before the game could kick-off after the Argentinian side had left the field, unwilling to begin the game while the problems in the crowd continued.
Going over to Messi after his side eventually returned to the field, the Real Madrid forward said: ‘You are acting like cowards, don’t you want to play the game?’
‘We are the World Champions, how are we cowards?’ Messi then responded. ‘Keep your mouth, watch your mouth, kid.’
However Rodrygo then replied: ‘Now let’s look at the game, you’ll see us there.’
‘Let’s see, come on, come on,’ said Messi, having the final say in the bitter exchange.
Messi and Rodrygo (right) were seen exchanging heated words ahead of kick-off on Tuesday
There was chaos in the crowd as Brazilian security entered the away end with batons in hand
After their win against a largely lack-lustre Brazil side amid a transitional period under Fluminense boss Fernando Diniz, Argentina kept hold of top spot in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.
The hosts were without attacking stars Neymar Jnr and Vinicius Jnr, as well as midfielder Casemiro and defender Eder Militao, with Marquinhos also hooked at the break.
For the Selecao it has been a difficult campaign thus far, having won only once and drawn another in their six games.
With only six teams qualifying from the group automatically, Brazil will have to improve on their current form if the record winners want to be sure of a place for the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico in three years’ time.
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