Lionel Messi Stopped Enzo Fernandez From Provoking Brazil Fans During Spicy Clash vs Argentina

• Lionel Messi was spotted asking Enzo Fernandez not to wind up Brazilian fans
• The Brazil vs Argentina game almost got out of hand with violent scenes in the stands
• A Nicolas Otamendi towering header in the second half was enough for Argentina

The Brazil vs Argentina game made headlines, not for the star-studded players both sides have, but for the violence that marred the match just before kickoff.

Crowd trouble broke out in the stands, with Brazilian police spotted beating Argentina fans. Lionel Messi led the players to the stands in a bid to calm down the tension.

Goalkeeper Emi Martinez was seen having a go at a police officer before the world champions retreated back to the dressing room under Messi's orders.

The game finally got going after a 30-minute delay with high tackles synonymous with South American football flying every minute.

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Lionel Scaloni's side became the first-ever nation to beat the Samba Boys at home in a World Cup qualifier. Nicolas Otamendi rose highest to send Giovani Lo Celso's corner past Alisson Becker.

What Messi did to Enzo Fernandez

The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Albiceleste corner, given that Brazil had dominated proceedings until that point. As they celebrated, Enzo Fernandez turned to the crowd and lifted his Argentina badge in an attempt to rile the fans.

New footage now shows that Messi was far from impressed by Chelsea's midfielder action and was spotted his hands away in a bid to get him to stop.

Here is a video of that incident;

Both players were later withdrawn, with Leandro Paredes taking Fernandez's spot while Angel Di Maria replaced Messi.

Argentina maintained its grip on first place as Brazil dropped down to sixth place with seven points after six games on the CONMEBOL standings.

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Messi condemns attack on Argentina fans

Messi later spoke passionately about the violence meted out to Argentina fans by Brazilian police.

As reported by Sports Brief, Messi took to Instagram to condemn the attacks, calling on everyone involved to find a way to make them stop.

FIFA are said to have opened an inquiry into what happened.