LIONEL MESSI has spoken out about the chaos at the Brazil vs Argentina World Cup qualifier as a “tragedy could have happened”.
Before the match started mayhem broke out at the Maracana between fans and the police.
A violent clash between police and fans in the stands sparked a mass brawl before Argentina’s rivals Brazil were defeated 1-0.
After the incident, police resorted to using batons to hold back the fans leaving some injured and a few covered in blood.
Instead of celebrating the win Messi has shared his thoughts about the violence that took place in Rio de Janeiro.
He said: “We saw how police were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final.
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“They were more focused on that than on the game.”
Earlier this year a similar incident occurred when Brazilian side Fluminense won against Boca Juniors at the Maracana.
Messi added: “We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.
“We are a family. We decided to play to make the situation more calm.”
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The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then took to Instagram and said: “This team continues to make history.
“Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil.
“This can’t be tolerated it’s insane and it needs to end now!!’
Meanwhile, some of the Argentina squad took matters into their own hands at the game to bite back at the police.
Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez launched himself towards the stand as he attempted to grab a baton out of a police officer’s hand before being brought down by his teammates.
Messi guided his team back into the dressing room to wait for the situation to calm down.
And Argentina vowed they would only return to the pitch when things quietened with their arch-rivals Brazil.
After 22 minutes the 2022 World Cup winners returned and the game finally began.
Messi’s Argentina are soaring through their South American World Cup qualifying group as they sit top of the table with 15 points while Brazil are sixth with seven points.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
