Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 on Wednesday in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group encounter in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium. Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal of the match from Argentina's side.

A large crowd gathered at the Maracana Stadium on Tuesday, hoping to see what may be Lionel Messi's last game in Brazil—a pivotal World Cup qualification match versus the home team. The only highlight for the spectators, meanwhile, was Nicolas Otamendi's goal in Argentina's 1-0 win. The game was delayed due to a conflict among fans prior to play.

Brazil had never lost at home in World Cup qualifying until this historic victory, which made things more difficult for new coach Fernando Diniz, who has now watched three straight losses in the round-robin competition. When Lionel Messi, the center of attention, left the pitch in the 78th minute, the Brazilian supporters cheered him on and jeered him at the same time. Notably, a lot of young fans honored the football player's former connections by showing up at the Maracana with shirts from Barcelona and Inter Miami.

Argentina vs Brazil football match highlights

In his most recent game at the Maracana, the legendary Argentine soccer player faced a significant obstacle when he was unable to break over one of his final boundaries in the sport—scoring against the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifying match. In spite of this, Argentina went home with a record-breaking victory at the storied Rio de Janeiro stadium, as well as the top spot in the qualifying rankings.

But a violent pre-game incident that broke out soon after the national anthems spoiled the build-up to the game. The start of the game was delayed by 27 minutes as a result of this disruption, and Messi and the Argentina team had to spend 22 minutes in the locker rooms. Sadly, at least one supporter suffered a head injury during the brawl and had to leave the stadium. Eight participants in the fight were taken into custody by the Rio police after they intervened.

Brazil missed several chances, as seen by Raphinha's free kick in the 38th minute and Cristian Romero's save of Argentina six minutes later after Gabriel Martinelli's cross went across.

Brazil said they would continue to apply pressure following the interval. Rodrygo forced goalie Dibu Martinez to make a close-range stop in the fifty-fourth minute. However, Argentina's lone opportunity came in the 63rd minute when Otamendi headed home a corner kick after leaping above the Brazilian defense.

One of Brazil's main hopes up front, teenager Endrick, didn't make an expected impact when he entered in the 72nd. Joelinton, a midfielder who had just replaced Brazil in the 81st minute, was sent off for pushing Rodrigo de Paul.

Argentina is leading the 10-team South American qualifying race. The Uruguay team is second in the table with 13 points, and Colombia is followed by Uruguay. Brazil might finish the year with seven points, in sixth place.

You can watch the latest soccer highlights online if you have missed the match. There will be 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The top 6 South American countries in the table will get direct entry. A spot in an intercontinental playoff playoff is available to the club in seventh place.