The “superclasico” between Brazil and Argentina began almost thirty minutes late on Tuesday, due to clashes between supporters in the stands of the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, during this qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. .
The Argentine players, reigning world champions, left the pitch momentarily and returned to the locker room shortly after the fight, which began during the national anthems and was put down by a muscular intervention by the police. “We’re not going to play, we’re leaving!” Argentina captain Lionel Messi said as he left the field, according to local television footage. But the Argentine team finally returned when the situation calmed down in the stands. Kick-off, initially scheduled for 9:30 p.m. local time, was given half an hour later.
In September 2021, another Brazil-Argentina clash was interrupted after only five minutes of play following the intervention of local health authorities, four Albiceleste players having been accused of violating the anti-Covid protocol. Representatives of the Anvisa health agency and the federal police entered the field to end the meeting, in total confusion. This qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup, devoid of any stakes, was ultimately not replayed.