Lionel Messi was greeted with chants of his name by Brazil supporters forward of their 1- defeat to the Inter Miami star’s Argentina on Tuesday as he warmed up before kick-off.
It was an incident-packed match at the Maracana Stadium, which was delayed by 27 minutes thanks to complications in the group with fights breaking out among rival supporters, prompting law enforcement intervention.
The Argentina skipper was brief to remark on the law enforcement involvement, claiming that his facet have been extra focused on the action in the stands at the start off of the match, which they finally received.
But in spite of the historic rivalry concerning the two neighbouring South American giants, there was a lot of love becoming sent the way of the Albiceleste skipper just before all the chaos began.
As he warmed up for the match to occur, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner was handled to a hero’s welcome at the Maracana stadium, with followers chanting ‘Mess! Messi! Messi!’
Video from prior to kick-off confirmed Lionel Messi waving at Brazil supporters chanting his identify
Messi and Argentina went on to acquire the activity 1- after a towering header from Nicolas Otamendi
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner experienced a tranquil match but his facet arrived out on prime in Rio de Janeiro
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The famous ahead obliged with a wave and smile for his admirers as he continued his planning for the activity.
Whether or not the supporters had been still cheering him on by the close of the game is uncertain, on the other hand, with the readers coming absent with a 1- earn to consider back to Buenos Aires.
Nicolas Otamendi’s towering header on 63 minutes from a Giovani Lo Celso corner was the only purpose in a game that was frequently punctuated with fouls and disruptions, with 22 fouls in the first fifty percent by itself.
He was also noticed deep in conversation with Rodrygo right before the recreation could kick-off following the Argentinian side had still left the discipline, unwilling to start the match when the issues in the group continued.
Likely in excess of to Messi after his facet finally returned to the subject, the Authentic Madrid ahead reported: ‘You are performing like cowards, never you want to participate in the sport?’
‘We are the Globe Champions, how are we cowards?’ Messi then responded. ‘Keep your mouth, check out your mouth, kid.’
However Rodrygo then replied: ‘Now let’s glance at the game, you’ll see us there.’
‘Let’s see, come on, come on,’ stated Messi, owning the remaining say in the bitter exchange.
Messi and Rodrygo (proper) were being viewed exchanging heated text ahead of kick-off on Tuesday
There was chaos in the group as Brazilian stability entered the absent finish with batons in hand
Right after their earn against a largely lack-lustre Brazil facet amid a transitional interval beneath Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz, Argentina held hold of leading location in CONMEBOL Earth Cup qualifying.
The hosts were being with no attacking stars Neymar Jnr and Vinicius Jnr, as perfectly as midfielder Casemiro and defender Eder Militao, with Marquinhos also hooked at the break.
For the Selecao it has been a difficult marketing campaign hence far, obtaining won only as soon as and drawn yet another in their six video games.
With only six teams qualifying from the group immediately, Brazil will have to strengthen on their current variety if the document winners want to be certain of a spot for the match in the Usa, Canada and Mexico in three years’ time.