Messi’s Argentina Beats Brazil in World Cup Qualifying Game Delayed by Crowd Violence

Argentina's Lionel Messi (R), and Brazil's Carlos Augusto battle for the ball during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Nov. 21, 2023. Bruna Prado/AP Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO—Lionel Messi’s Argentina squad celebrated like they'd won the World Cup again after a dramatic 1–0 win over archrival Brazil on Tuesday.

It was Brazil’s first home defeat ever in World Cup qualifying, a game that was delayed because of a brawl between fans in the stands.