Argentina vs Brazil 1-0 on Wednesday in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group match at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium thanks to a goal from Nicolas Otamendi.
On Tuesday, a large crowd flocked to the Maracana Stadium to watch Lionel Messi play in what was probably his FIFA World Cup qualifying match against his native Brazil—a superclasico. Instead, they witnessed a brawl between fans that delayed the start of the game, and Nicolas Otamendi scored Argentina’s lone goal in a 1-0 victory.
In World Cup qualifying, the reigning champions handed Brazil their first-ever home loss. It was Brazil’s third straight defeat in the round-robin competition, which is unfavourable for head coach Fernando Diniz.
When Messi left the field in the 78th minute, the Brazil fans mixed their applause and jeers.Numerous kids showed up at the Maracana sporting shirts from Inter Miami and Barcelona, the star’s former team.
Argentina win against Brazil in a very difficult, very physical match. Nicolás Otamendi the goal scorer but this was a team effort. Emiliano Martínez with a big save, Romero amazing, De Paul didn't stop running, Lo Celso very good too!
What did you think? 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/QQlg8fhgBO
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) November 22, 2023
ARGENTINA VS BRAZIL HIGHLIGHTS : FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 QUALIFIER
However, the Argentine star was unable to break through one of his final obstacles in the sport when he attempted to score in a World Cup qualifying match against the Brazilians at the Maracana.
Not only will Argentina lead the South American qualifying table going home, but it will also have given its supporters one last opportunity to enjoy a victory at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic stadium. The Copa America title was awarded to his team two years ago when Ángel di Maria scored the lone goal in an empty Maracana.
The start was delayed for 27 minutes due to the violent pre-match incident that broke out shortly after the national anthems. Messi led Argentina into the locker rooms for a 22-minute visit. One or more spectators exited the stadium with cuts to his heads. Following the altercation, Rio police detained eight individuals.
The first 20 minutes of the match saw a lot of fan aggression on the field, as the referee called fouls against Brazil during that period. Argentina was able to avoid a direct confrontation as the tension subsided.
Brazil squandered chances, as evidenced by Cristian Romero’s save of Argentina six minutes after Gabriel Martinelli’s crossed shot and Raphinha’s free kick in the 38th minute.
After the interval, Brazil indicated they would continue to apply pressure. In the 54th, Rodrygo forced goalie Dibu Martinez to make a close-range stop.
However, Argentina only mustered a few opportunities before Otamendi’s header in the 63rd minute, after he leapt over the Brazilian defence to meet a corner kick.
One of Brazil’s main hopes up front, teenager Endrick, didn’t really matter after he entered in the 72nd.
Joelinton, a midfielder who had just replaced Brazil in the 81st minute, was sent off for pushing Rodrigo de Paul. As the game came to an end, the Brazilian fans chant “ole” at every move made by the Argentinians, and the visiting fans waved their shirts as some of their players celebrated on the pitch.
With 15 points from six games, Argentina is leading the 10-team South American qualifying competition. Uruguay is second with 13 points, and Colombia is third. Brazil might finish the year with seven points, in sixth place.
There will be 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The top six teams from South America will be admitted directly. A spot in an intercontinental playoff is available to the team in seventh place.
Ecuador defeated Chile 1-0, Uruguay defeated Bolivia 3-0 in Montevideo, and Colombia triumphed 1-0 away in Paraguay on Tuesday.
When the Argentina vs Brazil game concluded, Peru and Venezuela were still in play.
Following the upcoming Copa America in the United States in September, the seventh and eighth rounds of South American qualifying will take place.
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