Brazil vs. Argentina Conmebol World Cup qualifier at Maracana Stadium on Tuesday night was delayed by almost 30 minutes after clashes between the police and fans in the stands in Rio de Janeiro.
Argentina went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to a second-half Nicolás Otamendi goal that consigned Brazil to their first-ever home loss in World Cup qualifying. Brazil entered the game 51-13-0 in 64 such matches.
Locals and Argentinian fans started fighting during the playing of the national anthems, prompting the Brazilian police to charge the visiting contingent with batons. Fans responded by ripping up and throwing seats at the officers.
Argentina handed Brazil its first ever home loss in a World Cup qualifying match in what could have been Messi’s final match at the historic Brazilian venue, despite fighting in the stands that caused a delay.
 Copa América final. They pressed a lot, they went to look for us high up and it was difficult for us to have long possessions. These games are defined by details."
Messi entered the match as the all-time leader with 31 goals scored in CONMEBOL action, but without a goal against Brazil. He was unable to change that distinction in 77 minutes, leaving the match as a substitute.
Brazil played wildly out of control for much of the game, whistled for an enormous 25 fouls throughout the match, but it felt harsh when Joelinton was sent off with eight minutes to go, as Rodrigo de Paul conned the referee with a blatant flop.
Brazil national team as they drop to sixth in the qualifying standings, having suffered three defeats across the opening six games.
Both teams had taken to the field and posed for team photos ahead of a planned 9.30pm start in Rio de Janeiro.
But attention was then drawn to one corner of the Estadio do Maracana where police officers were seen aggressively swinging batons towards a group of fans, most of whom were Argentina supporters.
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