Lionel Messi condemns Brazilian police brutality toward Argentine fans

Follow Us Now!

Lionel Messi has said what he thought about how the Brazilian police treated Argentine fans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that was held on Wednesday.

His statement came in the wake of a disturbing scene that started when Brazilian fans became violent towards Argentine fans for booing their national anthem while it was being sung. The Brazilian police had to come between the two violent groups of supporters to restore serenity, but were seen beating the away fans with batons as the match kept being delayed.

Two Argentine fans were reportedly carried away with serious injuries; one wore a neck brace, while the other’s head was very bloody. Brazilian fans initially reacted to the disrespect Argentinians showed to their national anthem by throwing seats at them. Several away players had to rush into the violent stand to help families with children get away from the dangerous surroundings.

Following the match, Lionel Messi said, ‘We saw how the police were hitting people, as with some of our families here. It also happened in the [Copa] Libertadores final, again repressing the people.

‘They are more focused on that than on playing the game. We are a family. We decided to play to make the situation more calm.’

Though Argentina later won the match by one goal to nil, the pre-match chaos was more talked about than the win. Nicolas Otamendi’s goal was the only goal scored in the match—a contest that could have been cancelled if someone had died in the unfortunate fight.

Speaking about the victory Argentina had on the pitch, Lionel Messi praised his team.

‘This group continues to make history. Although today was not the most important, it was very nice,’ said Messi. ‘We needed this win after the loss against Uruguay.

‘We knew it was going to be a tough match, similar to the Copa America final. They pressed a lot, they pressured us high and it was difficult for us to have possession for a long time. These matches are defined by details.’

Argentina’s match before this ended in a serious loss to Uruguay. Messi’s team was beaten by two goals to nil to end their 8-match win streak over Uruguay in recent competitions.

Speaking after the defeat, Messi said his country had to lose at some point, seemingly not bothered that he might be ridiculed for not providing answers to Uruguay’s goal as a lineal GOAT. This could be Lionel Messi’s way of demonstrating true sportsmanship.