BRAZIL 0-1 ARGENTINA
What Messi has said about the Maracaná disturbance in Brazil vs Argentina
The forward, who suffered muscle problems during the match, explained how he experienced the violence that occurred in the stands.
Lionel Messi took centre stage before the initial whistle in the huge game against Brazil, when he approached the stands where Maracaná's security services had confronted Argentine fans batons high. Once that situation calmed down, the captain of the albiceleste directed his team to the locker room and after the match concluded, he recounted the events.
Messi worried for Argentina supporters under attack
“We saw how they were hitting the people, as happened in the Libertadores final,” the Inter Miami man said. “Once again, repressing the people.”
The forward also expressed concern for the loved ones of his team who were in the section of the stands where the disturbances occurred.
“There were players with family members in the stands, and we were worried. The match was secondary, and we went to the locker rooms to let everything calm down. We asked and found out how everything was.”
Messi to return fresh for Inter Miami
Away from the trouble in the stands, the Argentine star had shown that he had some muscular issues in his right thigh throughout the match. Nevertheless, he stayed on the field until the 75th minute.
“I felt discomfort in the abductor. It was my last match, and I wanted to finish it. Now I’m going on vacation, and I will be back next year.” That will be good news to the ears of fans in Miami.
Messi on beating Brazil
After celebrating enthusiastically with his teammates the victory on the turf of the great regional rival, Messi was clearly on a high.
“It was a very tough match. We were coming from a loss, and they were also dealing with people who weren’t satisfied. The match was similar to the Copa América one. They pressed higher, and we struggled to maintain long possessions. We knew that this would be resolved in isolated plays.
“This group continues to achieve historic feats. It’s very gratifying to be able to win in Brazil, especially considering how strong they are as hosts. We needed this after the defeat against Uruguay.”