New Delhi
Lionel Messi expressed deep concern over the crowd trouble that caused a delay in Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil, stating that the situation could have ended in tragedy. Violence erupted between fans of both teams at the Maracana Stadium, leading to the reigning champions leaving the field just moments before the scheduled kickoff. Messi described the scene, noting the use of force by the police and the potential for tragedy. He highlighted the priority of ensuring the safety of families and spectators amid the chaos. The Argentina squad, including Messi, attempted to intervene to calm the situation, but when it became apparent that a prompt resolution was unlikely, they left the pitch. The players returned after a 30-minute delay, with police separating the Argentina fans into a separate section of the stands. Messi emphasized that, at that point, the match was of secondary importance compared to the safety of the people in the stadium. Brazil captain Marquinhos echoed Messi’s sentiments, expressing concern for families and children in the stands and describing the situation as very scary. The incident underscores the challenges and safety issues faced in high-profile football matches.
