Violent scenes mar Brazil v Argentina with Martinez defending fans from police

Fans of both nations began fighting during the anthems, leading police to charge in to the stands with night sticks.

The Argentina team, led by captain Lionel Messi walked over to where the shocking scenes were unfolding to try and calm the situation, while Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez attempted to jump into the visiting section and defend his compatriots.

"It was bad because we saw how they were beating people," Messi said afterwards.

"The police, as it already happened in the Libertadores final, were once again repressing the people with night sticks, there were players who had families over there."

Messi was referencing the game between Argentina's Boca Juniors and Brazil's Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro earlier this month.

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"We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, it could have ended in tragedy.

"You think about the families, the people who are there, who don't know what's going on and we were more concerned about that than playing a match that, at that point, was of secondary importance."

The game was delayed by half an hour, with some fans managing to escape onto the pitch and avoid being charged at by police.

One supporter lay down with a bloodied face and was stretchered away, while others responded to police by charging back at them and throwing seats in their direction.

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Brazil captain Marquinhos shared the concerns of their rivals.

"We were worried about the families, women and children, that we were seeing in panic up there in the stands," he told reporters.

"Down on the pitch it was hard for us to understand what was going on, it was a very scary situation."

When the game eventually restarted, Argentina recorded a memorable win thanks to a goal from former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi.

However, the needle didn't end there as Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul exchanged fiery words with Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

It is alleged that when the Argentina players returned, they were labelled cowards, which brought a simple response from Messi.

"We are the World Champions, why are we cowards? Look at your mouth," broadcaster TYC Sports report.

It was Brazil's first ever loss at home in a World Cup qualifier and the fact it came against reigning champions - and their bitter rivals - will sting.

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Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, have now lost three successive qualifiers and sit sixth in the South American qualifying table.

The loss puts them eight points behind leaders Argentina and in the last spot that guarantees a place at the 2026 edition in America.