Messi left the pitch in the 78th minute amid a mixture of jeers and applause from Brazil fans. Dozens of children arrived at the Maracana wearing the shirts of Barcelona, the star’s previous club, and Inter Miami.

he Argentine star wasn’t able to end one of his last barriers in the sport at the Maracana, though, to score against the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifier.

Argentina will return home not only atop the South American qualifying standings but also having given its fans one more chance to celebrate a victory at the historic stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Two years ago, Ángel di Maria scored the only goal in an empty Maracana to give his team the Copa America title.

The opening 45 minutes was bitterly contested with a number of fouls conceded by both sides

Fighting broke out in the crowd ahead of kick-off delaying the game’s start by 27 minutes

The violent pre-match incident, starting shortly after the national anthems, stalled the start for 27 minutes.

Argentina, led by Messi, headed to the locker rooms for 22 minutes. At least one fan left the stadium bleeding from his head. Rio police said they had arrested eight people due to the brawl.

Joelinton was shown a red card for a foul on Rodrigo De Paul not long after entering the fray

The aggression between fans was reflected on the field in the first 20 minutes of the encounter; the referee gave fouls against Brazil during that time. The tension eased and allowed Argentina to avoid direct confrontation.

Brazil wasted opportunities, with Raphinha’s free kick in the 38th minute and Cristian Romero saving Argentina near the goal line six minutes later after a crossed shot by Gabriel Martinelli.

At least one fan left the Maracana with blood on their head after the violent start on Tuesday

Brazil suggested they would keep the pressure after the break. Rodrygo forced goalkeeper Dibu Martinez to a close-range save in the 54th.

But Argentina’s goal in the 63rd with a header by Otamendi, who jumped above the Brazilian defenders to meet a corner kick, was one of the few chances the team created.

Teenager Endrick, one of Brazil’s big hopes up front, didn’t make much difference after he went on in the 72nd.

In the 81st, midfielder Joelinton, who had just stepped in as a substitute for Brazil, was sent off after pushing Rodrigo de Paul. Brazil fans ended the match chanting ‘ole’ for every touch of the Argentinians, while the visiting supporters waved their shirts as some of their players celebrated on the pitch.

Argentina leads the 10-team South American qualifying competition with 15 points from six matches, followed by Uruguay on 13 and Colombia. Brazil could end the year in sixth position, with seven points.