Watch: Argentina Star Spits At Brazil Fans During FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Match

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday in an ill-tempered 2026 World Cup qualifying clash marred by pre-match crowd trouble that forced kick-off to be delayed at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. A video from the game is going viral on social media in which Argentina's attacking midfielder Angel Di Maria could be seen spitting at Brazil fans after they threw drinks over him and his teammates. The incident occured when Argentina players were entering the tunnel at the stadium.

See the video here:

Angel Di Maria vs Brazilian fans before the match began yesterday

pic.twitter.com/HRxVQQKN3x

A 63rd-minute header from veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi secured victory for Argentina as the world champions bounced back from last week's defeat to Uruguay to beat their bitter South American rivals.

The win at Rio's iconic Maracana Stadium leaves Argentina on top of the South American qualifying standings with 15 points from six games.

Brazil's third defeat of qualifying, meanwhile, leaves the five-time world champions in sixth place with seven points from six games.

"This group continues to achieve historic things," Argentina captain Lionel Messi said afterwards. "Maybe today wasn't the most important thing, but it was a nice win."

Tempers had flared in the stands at the Maracana moments before kick-off, with Brazilian police seen using batons to drive back a block of Argentine fans at one end of the ground.

Several Argentina players went towards the disturbances in an apparent attempt to plead for calm, with goalkeeper Emi Martinez attempting to jump into the seating area at one stage to confront a baton-wielding Brazilian police officer.

Argentina's players led by Messi then returned to their dressing room as the clashes