'We are not playing, we are leaving.' Lionel Messi walks off with team as noisy scenes delay Argentina-Brazil World Cup qualifying encounter

Maracana Stadium saw noisy scenes on Wednesday after the kickoff of the highly-anticipated World Cup qualifying clash between Brazil and Argentina ran into turbulence, leading to a delay of 30 minutes.


The qualifier between the two South American football giants was scheduled to begin at 9:30 pm local time (0030 GMT Wednesday) but hit a delay after rival supporters clashed in the stands. Disturbances erupted after local fans and Argentinian supporters clashed during the national anthem ceremony, prompting Brazilian police to intervene. The guests, in turn, responded by tearing up seats and hurling them at the officers.

The Argentine squad, led by captain Lionel Messi, decided to leave the field as the Brazilian police stepped in to intervene, using batons to disperse Argentina fans at one end of the stadium.

Messi was also captured on camera appearing to say, "We're not playing, we're leaving," as he turned around with his teammates. He approached the terraces before eventually leaving the pitch and returning to the dressing room.

Argentina's players came back onto the field shortly before 10 pm local time, after some order was restored in the stadium. The match eventually kicked off moments later, even as emergency personnel evacuated at least one injured fan on a stretcher.

Argentina emerged victorious over Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, with a 1-0 win. The decisive moment came in the 63rd minute when veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi scored a header, securing the crucial three points for Argentina.

With this win, Argentina is now top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games. They had lost to Uruguay recently. Brazil, on the other hand, has suffered their third defeat in the qualifying campaign, leaving them in sixth place with seven points from six games.