Emiliano Martinez: Argentina Goalkeeper Clashes With Brazilian Policeman to Protect Argentina Fans

• Crowd trouble marred Argentina's 1-0 victory over Brazil at the Maracana Stadium
• The match commenced after a 30-minute delay due to altercations in the stands
• Emiliano Martinez was seen pleading with police to stop as they clashed with fans

Aston Villa goalkeeper, Emiliano Martinez tried to intervene as he spotted police officers brandishing batons at Argentina fans at Estadio do Maracana on Tuesday night.

The start of the 2026 World Cup qualifier clash between Brazil and Argentina was postponed by almost half an hour due to turbulent disturbances in a section of the stadium.

In addition to supporters brawling amongst themselves, some of the violence included the police striking Argentina fans with batons.

Players from both squads approached the area of disturbance and sought to defuse the situation, with Argentina goalkeeper, Martinez visibly angered, per Sportsbible.

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The 31-year-old goalie was seen trying to scale one of the barricades, surrounded by team personnel. He then seemed to reach for a baton held by a police officer, who pushed him back, before trying to engage in a discussion with him.

Despite being pulled away by several team members, Martinez continued to express his angry appeals for the police to cease the violence.

Argentine pip Brazil in qualifier

In the broadcasted match on TyC Sports, Argentina clinched a 1-0 victory over Brazil, with Nicolas Otamendi scoring the only goal of the match in the 63rd minute.

Fernando Diniz's team attempted a late comeback but this was complicated in the 81st minute when Newcastle midfielder, Joelinton received a straight red card.

Messi clashes with Rodrygo

Sports Brief also reported on Lionel Messi exchanging words with Rodrygo after Argentina re-entered the field after the clash between fans and police at the Maracana Stadium.

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In a video posted on social media, both the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and his teammate, Rodrigo De Paul, were visibly engaged in a heated confrontation with the Brazilian.

The two players exchanged words, with Messi initially seeming to embrace the Selecao youngster. De Paul intervened, stepping between the pair just before the game kicked off.

Messi's Maracana experience

Sports Brief has also previously reported on Messi's best and worst moments at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Brazil.

The biggest heartbreak of his career happened at the venue, with Argentina losing to Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final.

Seven years later, Messi redeemed this loss by leading Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, beating Brazil in the final.