Argentina’s Lionel Messi, proper, and Brazil’s Carlos Augusto battle for the ball throughout a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.
AP Picture/Bruna Prado
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Lionel Messi’s Argentina squad celebrated like they’d received the World Cup once more after a dramatic 1-0 win over archrival Brazil on Tuesday.
It was Brazil’s first dwelling defeat ever in World Cup qualifying, a recreation that was delayed due to a brawl between fans in the stands.
Many followers went to the Maracana to observe Messi in doubtless his final match in Brazil, a superclasico in opposition to the hosts. As a substitute, they noticed Nicolás Otamendi rating the one objective of the match.
It was Brazil’s third consecutive loss within the round-robin event — one other blow for brand new coach Fernando Diniz.
It was additionally the primary time since 2009 that the five-time World Cup winners failed to attain in a house recreation.
Messi left the pitch within the 78th minute amid a mix of jeers and applause from Brazil followers. Dozens of youngsters arrived on the Maracana sporting the shirts of Barcelona, the star’s earlier membership, and Inter Miami.
The Argentine star was unable to finish one in every of his final limitations within the sport, although, failing to attain in opposition to the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifier on the Maracana.
The Argentina squad celebrated on the pitch for 10 minutes after the win, understanding they’re main the South American qualifying standings. Additionally they gave followers yet another probability to have a good time a victory on the historic stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Two years in the past, Ángel di Maria scored the one objective in an empty Maracana to offer his crew the Copa America title.
“I’m so blissful. We made historical past once more and gave this pleasure to our individuals,” mentioned midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, who kneeled and opened his arms in celebration after the ultimate whistle. “The derbies are like this. If we have to maintain the ball, we do it. If we’ve to defend and endure, we do, too. That’s why we’re the very best crew on the earth.”
The violent pre-match incident, beginning shortly after the nationwide anthems, stalled the beginning for 27 minutes. Messi led his crew off the sector and into the locker rooms for 22 minutes. Not less than one fan left the stadium bleeding from his head. Rio police mentioned they’d arrested eight individuals as a result of brawl.
The group aggression was mirrored on the sector within the first 20 minutes of the encounter, resulting in the referee awarding a succession of fouls in opposition to Brazil throughout that point. The strain ultimately eased, permitting Argentina to keep away from direct confrontation.
Brazil wasted alternatives, with Raphinha’s free kick within the thirty eighth minute and Cristian Romero saving Argentina close to the objective line six minutes later after a crossed shot by Gabriel Martinelli.
Brazil maintained the strain after the break, and Rodrygo pressured goalkeeper Dibu Martinez right into a close-range save within the 54th.
However Argentina’s objective within the 63rd with a header by Otamendi, who jumped above the Brazilian defenders to satisfy a nook kick, was one of many few possibilities the crew created.
“This can be a lovely win, however it has no comparability with what we achieved in Qatar,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni informed a information convention. “You understand it’s not straightforward to win right here, however we managed to.”
Teenager Endrick, one in every of Brazil’s large hopes up entrance, didn’t make a lot distinction after he went on within the 72nd.
Within the 81st, midfielder Joelinton, who had simply stepped in as an alternative choice to Brazil, was despatched off after pushing an Argentine participant. Brazil followers ended the match chanting “ole” for each contact of the Argentinians, whereas the visiting supporters waved their shirts as a few of their gamers celebrated on the pitch.
Argentina leads the 10-team continental qualifying competitors with 15 factors from six matches, adopted by Uruguay on 13 and Colombia with 12. Venezuela is subsequent with 9 factors. Ecuador, which began the qualifying with -3 factors on account of a FIFA punishment, has eight factors.
Brazil will finish the yr in sixth place, with seven factors, two away from Paraguay and Chile.
The 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada will embrace 48 groups, that means direct entry for the highest six groups from South America. The seventh-place crew can earn a berth in an intercontinental playoff.
Additionally on Tuesday, Colombia received 1-0 at Paraguay; Uruguay beat Bolivia 3-0 in Montevideo; and Ecuador edged Chile 1-0. Peru drew 1-1 Venezuela.
The seventh and eighth rounds of South American qualifying will happen in September after the following version of Copa America in the USA.
