Argentina picked up a 1-0 win over rivals Brazil on Tuesday at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã, snapping a 60-plus game unbeaten run for Brazil in home World Cup qualifiers in the process. The game's lone goal came courtesy of defender Nicolas Otamendi in the 63rd minute. Argentina earned a corner which was taken by Giovani Lo Celso, whose curling ball was placed perfectly for Otamendi to score on a powerful header. The shot was Argentina's first on target.
Things went from bad to worse for Brazil in the 81st minute when Joelinton picked up a red card for hitting Rodrigo De Paul. The Brazil player was sent off just nine minutes after he was substituted on.
The match was plagued by fan violence before it began, which forced a half hour delay to kickoff. Argentina players left the pitch at one point, seemingly in protest, but returned and took part in the game.
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Argentina maintain top spot with five wins out of six in World Cup qualifying, while Brazil are sixth with just two wins. Brazil have lost three games in a row for the first time since 2001, and are now in the midst of a four game winless run.
A dramatic day ends in a Brazil defeat courtesy of an Otamendi goal, which snapped one of the sport's most impressive streaks. This is Brazil's first-ever loss at home in a World Cup qualifier, ending their unbeaten streak that lasted 64 games. This is also the first time the Selecao have lost three in a row since 2001, and extends their active winless run to four.
81' Joelinton gets a red card for an off the ball shove on De Paul, and ends his cameo in this match just nine minutes after coming on for Gabriel.
78' Messi comes off for Di Maria in what is likely to be his final match in Brazil. It was an uneventful night for Messi, who took just one shot for his side.
74' After a spell in which Argentina leaned heavily on set pieces, momentum is slowly but surely swinging Brazil's way as the hosts look for an equalizer. Rodrygo and Guimaraes have been two of Brazil's most active players in attack but the team is still struggling to put together their first meaningful chance since conceding.
63' Argentina dash forward on the break and earn a corner, which Lo Celso takes. His ball allows Otamendi to score off a powerful header to give his side the lead. His goal was Argentina's first shot on target.
58' Now E. Martinez makes a point-blank stop on a shot from Martinelli in the box, which was arguably the best chance of the game for either team to score.
55' Brazil are starting to find a rhythm in this second half and are building some encouraging plays, including one in which Guimaraes sent a long cross from one end of the pitch to the other, where Rapinha is waiting. Rapinha then runs to the touchline and tries to get a shot off, but E. Martinez is able to make the stop.
47' The visitors start the second half with a corner, which results in Mac Allister taking a shot from close range but sending the ball wide of the goal. Argentina still await their first shot on target.
Brazil make one sub at the half, taking off Marquinhos for Nino.
It was an eventful first half, but not exactly a high quality one. The match got off to a chippy start but eventually the players seemed to calm down about a half hour in. It may come as little surprise, as a result, that there have been more yellow cards than shots on goal during the first half - Brazil registered the game's lone strike on goal towards the back end of the half, and arguably had the better chances. Both teams still leave a lot to be desired in attack, and will no doubt aim to improve for the second 45.
45' Brazil earn a corner and Martinelli eventually gets a shot off, which is saved by E. Martinez and then cleared away crucially by Romero. The hosts are dominating the final stretch of this first half.
43' Messi used a stoppage in play to walk to the touchline and receive what appears to be a massage on his thigh, but he returns to the pitch as scheduled. It was the same area that medical staff looked at earlier.
39' Lo Celso fouls Guimaraes near the penalty area and Brazil has a freekick just yards from the penalty area. Raphinha takes it and the ball sails just over the goal after a light deflection off the wall. Brazil earn a corner but can't capitalize despite a promising scramble that may have opened up an opportunity to take a shot. Rapinha's shot from the freekick was Brazil's first shot.
30' Argentina is down to 10 for the time being while Messi is on the touchline receiving medical attention. No word on what the injury concern was but he eventually returns to the field.
29' Possession swings Argentina's way and they get a couple of not-so dangerous shots off, and also have a penalty claim when Andre chases down Lo Celso and he goes down in the box. The referee moves on, and so do the players in accordance.
21' Not a ton of quality chances to speak of so far, but Brazil are making some forward runs are really searching for a goal, though they have been stifled by Argentina's attack so far. The fouls have not stopped coming in the meantime - there was a lengthy pause after an incident between Rapinha and Mac Allister and then a little stoppage after Rodrygo went down, but play continues.
16' Rapinha is booked for hitting De Paul in the face, which means there are officially more cards to speak of then shots. Brazil is very much leading the way in terms of fouls during the early portion of this chippy match.
8' Jesus picks up a yellow card after an altercation with De Paul, who is on the ground receiving medical treatment but might be okay to continue despite bleeding. He was slapped by Jesus and the whole episode has caused a notable stoppage in play but the game has finally resumed.
Marquinhos and Messi perform their regularly scheduled handshake as captains and everyone lines up on the ptich. Almost half an hour after expected, the teams line up on the pitch and kick things off.
About 10 minutes after they walked off the pitch, Messi and his teammates have returned to the pitch. Players from both teams first engage in heated conversation with each other and officials, but a few do begin to kick the ball around and appear to be warming up.
Messi leads his team off the pitch and strips off his armband as his team walks into the locker room at the Maracana, though several Brazil players remain on the field in a huddle with manager Diniz. An abysmal start to what was expected to be Messi's final match at the iconic venue.
The teams arrived on the pitch and took the team photo but a fight has erupted amongst fans so the game has yet to kick off. Police have entered the stands and are also involved in the scuffle now, while some fans are ripping seats out of the stadium. Players have now left the pitch.
To no one's surprise, Messi and Alvarez will partner in attack for Argentina tonight. Here's a look at today's team for the world champions.
Argentina starting XI: E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Acuna, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Lo Celso, Messi, Alvarez
Substitutes: Armani, Tagliafico, Montiel, Paredes, Pezzella, Di Maria, Musso, Palacios, Gonzalez, Rodriguez, Ocampos, L. Martinez
Jesus starts up top for an injury-plagued Brazil, while the likes of Rodrygo and recent goalscorer Martinelli are there to support. Here's Brazil's team for today.
Brazil starting XI: Alisson, Emerson, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Augusto, Andre, Guimaraes, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Martinelli, Jesus
Substitutes: Lodi, Perri, Nino, Bremer, Douglas Luiz, Pepe, Joelinton, Paulinho, Veiga, Endrick, Joao Pedro, null
Brazil is hardly friendly terrain for Argentina, but the world champions could have their best chance yet to end their rivals' unbeaten run at home in World Cup qualifying. They will have to overcome their 2-0 loss to Uruguay on Thursday, which saw a front three featuring Messi, Alvarez, and Gonzalez limited to just three shots on target despite dominating throughout. Scaloni could run with a similar lineup tonight and has many of his first-choice team available, though Garnacho and Martinez are out.
Brazil enters this matchup with a whole host of uncertainties from injuries to form, but you can also add coaching to the list. The team is arguably in a holding pattern under current coach Fernando Diniz, who is overseeing the team before Carlo Ancelotti joins upon the conclusion of Real Madrid's season. Here's Charlie Davies on the Selecao's current situation:
Watch the full discussion below.
The most anticipated matchup of the international window is finally upon us. Stay tuned for team news as a Brazil team in an injury crisis takes on reigning world champions Argentina in a high-stakes World Cup qualifier.
