Lionel Messi knows a thing or two about the rivalry between Brazil and his country. The 36-year-old has been around long enough to understand the hatred that these two giant South American nations have for each other. Fortunately for Messi, he has led Argentina to more success overtaking Brazil as the leading team in South American football.
The World Cup winner could not believe his eyes as police and supporters rioted in the stadium after Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro yesterday. The Inter Miami forward did an interview to address the situation after the game, terming it “madness” despite allegedly being involved in an incident on the pitch as well.
Lionel Messi talks about brawl in the stadium during Brazil vs Argentina
Lionel Messi understands the heavy rivalry between Brazil and Argentina, but he was sad to see the away Argentina fans get treated badly by the Brazilian fans and law enforcers yesterday.
Argentina traveled to Rio de Janeiro to strengthen their lead at the top of the South American World Cup qualifying table, and an Otamendi goal just after the hour mark was enough to give them all three points, taking them to 15 points in six games.
The result leaves Brazil in sixth place, having just won one of their last five qualifying games, and Messi had a few words to say about the violent scenes after the game.
“Tonight, we made history, but it’s important to say that it’ll be marked by the repression of Brazilians against Argentinians once again. It can’t be accepted. It’s madness; it has to stop immediately,” the World Cup winner said.
Messi, who had been targeted to be contained by former PSG teammate Marquinhos, had a largely quiet game in a match that was eclipsed by violence both on and off the pitch.
Lionel Messi grabs Rodrygo by the neck
Despite claiming to be saddened by what the away fans had to endure from both the home fans and the police, Lionel Messi did not exalt himself either when he grabbed Rodrygo by the neck in a scuffle between the players during the keenly contested match.
Messi, who gained his reputation for being one of the calmest players in the sport, has recently become a lightning rod, particularly in the past few years. Despite the scuffle on and off the pitch, Argentina managed to secure a win through Nicolas Otamendi’s goal to get back to winning ways after the slight setback by Uruguay last week.
Messi will be preparing for a great season at Inter Miami next year as he looks set to welcome David De Gea, who is reportedly considering a move to the MLS after rejecting a huge offer from Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Nassr.
