Video: Watch as Lionel Messi and Emi Martinez exchange blows with Brazilian Police

Brazilian Police took it a notch higher to beat and brutalize Argentinean fans at the Maracanna stadium as Brazil took on Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Before kick-off, the Police in the stadium beat up and injured some fans of the La Albiceleste. This even saw Argentina’s goalkeeper Emi Martinez try to get into it with the Police.

He was however restrained by his teammates. Messi had to lead the team off the pitch in protest of their fans being beaten up. The situation was however later calmed down and the game went ahead.

Just as they got out of the locker room, Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes got into a heated argument with Messi. This is after he told Messi that they are cowards.

The 8 time Ballon d’Or winner told him told the 22 year old to watch his mouth since he was talking to the World champions. Apparently the Inter Miami forward didn’t complete the game as he suffered a knock.

The game ended 1-0 in favour of the three time World Cup winners courtesy of a Nicolas Otamendi goal. The Benefica defender headed in a corner in the 63rd minute.

Besides, this game was dirty and full of fouls as most South American games tend to be. Eventually Newcastle midfielder Joelinton got a red card in the 81st minute reducing the Samba Boys to 10 men.

This was Brazil’s first ever loss in the FIFA world cup qualifiers at home. They had won 53 games, drawn 13 and lost none.

“We saw how they were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final. They were more focused on that than on the game. We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.” said Messi.

Argentina now leads the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 15 points followed by Uruguay with 12. Brazil are in 5th with 7 points. The World Cup qualifiers will resume next year in September after the Copa America.