Argentina national team goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez took to the podium to stop law enforcement from beating fans. This was reported by TyC Sports.
A goalkeeper tried to grab a police baton during the chaos that broke out in the stands before the group match against Brazil in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The goalkeeper jumped to his feet and tapped the law enforcement officer on the shoulder several times. Martinez also screamed, pointing at the officer and urging him to stop. The Argentina goalkeeper was then dragged away.
The match was supposed to start at 03:30 Moscow time at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). However, due to the tension in the stadium, the starting whistle was postponed and the fans started fighting in the stands. Messi led his team off the field, but half an hour later the Argentinian players returned to the field.
The match ended with the Argentine team winning 1:0. Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal in the middle of the second half.
Former Argentina captain Messi explained It was decided to remove the team from the field.