Leo Messi: “This team continues to make history… Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil. This can’t be tolerated it’s insane and it needs to end now!!”
Much talk about Lionel Messi’s record versus Brazil preceded the game. Could this be the game where he finally finds his big moment? He hadn’t scored in a meaningful match against his nation’s fiercest adversary, and Argentina is playing at the storied Maracana, the scene of both his greatest and worst moments.
The world champs needed only one goal from the center back to secure all three points, and he did so by vaulting over two opponents.
Messi ultimately played the role of peacemaker, leading his side off the field following some unpleasant pregame scenes. After a half-hour delay, the game started, but Messi wasn’t going to be the winner. No, it was someone a little less likely this time.
Argentina’s 1-0 victory, which was secured by Nicolas Otamendi’s lone goal, retains them atop the World Cup qualifying table. More significantly, though, it made things worse for Brazil, who have now lost three straight—a terrible run of defeats for the Selecao.Argentina’s victory wasn’t particularly pretty because there was no rhythm to the game in the beginning because both teams were obviously agitated by the before activities.
But as everything calmed down, Argentina emerged victorious, leaving Brazil with all three points and reminding everyone that the Albiceleste, not Brazil, is now CONMEBOL’s ultimate boss.Goalie and Defense
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