Argentina’s star player and captain, Messi did not hesitate in leading his team to leave the Maracanã pitch in the face of the confusion that was taking place in the stands between Argentine and Brazilian fans.
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After his team’s 1-0 victory, the star commented on the episode and regretted the stance taken by the Rio de Janeiro military police to contain the fight.
“We saw how they were beating people. We already saw how they oppressed them in the Libertadores final, beating them with batons. There were players who had family members there. We think of everyone, of course. Of the families who don’t know what was happening, and a game comes to This point is secondary”, commented Messi.
The number 10 reiterated that the Argentine team did not consider withdrawing from the match. Leaving the field was just an attempt to calm things down.
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“It was another way to calm down a little. From down here (on the pitch) we couldn’t do much. We saw people being hit, how they were pushing them back”, said Messi.
“A disaster could happen. That’s why we decided to go inside, ask how the family members were, the people who were there, find out a little about everything, and then we left”, he declared.
Shortly afterwards, the Argentine also used social media to speak out about the episode and once again condemned police repression.
“This team continues to make history. Great victory at Maracanã, even if it is marked by the repression of Argentines once again in Brazil. This cannot be tolerated, it is madness that has to end now!!”, wrote Messi.
With the result, Argentina reached 15 points and ended 2023 at the top of the qualifiers after the first six rounds. With no schedule with Inter Miami, Messi will only return to play in March, at the start of the next MLS season.