Argentina’s Messi leads first-ever home World Cup qualifying defeat for Brazil

Argentina surged to the top of the group, and Nicolas Otamendi struck the biggest blow, causing Brazil to suffer its first-ever home World Cup qualifying loss.

Chirag

November 22, 2023

Argentina makes history after giving Brazil their 3 in a row World Cup qualifying defeat — Image via Getty Images

The hosts entered the match in a disadvantaged position, having suffered three consecutive qualifying defeats for the first time in their history.

Before the game, there was a 27-minute delay due to clashes between police and fans in the stands as the players prepared for the national anthems. Lionel Messi led his Argentine team in an attempt to quell the violence. At one point, Emiliano Martinez even tried to intervene to prevent the police from using force against the supporters.

Argentina retreated to the dressing room for over ten minutes before resuming the match. Brazil’s lineup featured Raphinha, Rodrygo, and Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli in attack as they aimed to break their losing streak. Despite struggling to create opportunities, they came close with Raphinha’s free-kick. Tottenham’s Cristian Romero, returning after his red card against Chelsea, cleared a Martinelli attempt off the line.

Messi, on his 180th appearance for Argentina, didn’t shine at the Maracana and found it challenging to get involved. However, despite their sluggish performance, Argentina took the lead in the 63rd minute through Otamendi, who headed home the winning goal, leaping above Gabriel Magalhaes.

Brazil attempted a comeback, but substitute Joelinton received a red card in the 81st minute, worsening their situation after an altercation with Rodrigo De Paul.

Post-match, Messi expressed concern for the fans’ situation before the kickoff, emphasizing the importance of the win amid the chaos. Coach Lionel Scaloni didn’t confirm his continuation in the role, contemplating his future due to the demanding nature of the team.

Defender Romero advocated for Scaloni to stay, hoping to convince him, while acknowledging the coach’s silence on the matter in the locker room. Argentina’s victory now places them at the top of the ten-team qualifying group, eight points ahead of Brazil after six games. The teams are set to face each other again in March 2025 for the reverse fixture.