Lionel Messi was greeted with chants of his name by Brazil fans ahead of their 1-0 defeat to the Inter Miami star’s Argentina on Tuesday as he warmed up before kick-off.
It was an incident-packed match at the Maracana Stadium, which was delayed by 27 minutes due to problems in the crowd with fights breaking out between rival fans, prompting police intervention.
The Argentina skipper was quick to comment on the police involvement, claiming that his side were more focused on the activity in the stands at the start of the game, which they ultimately won.
But despite the historic rivalry between the two neighbouring South American giants, there was plenty of love being sent the way of the Albiceleste skipper before all the chaos began.
As he warmed up for the match to come, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was treated to a hero’s welcome at the Maracana stadium, with fans chanting ‘Mess! Messi! Messi!’
The legendary forward obliged with a wave and smile for his admirers as he continued his preparation for the game.
Whether the supporters were still cheering him on by the end of the game is doubtful, however, with the visitors coming away with a 1-0 win to take back to Buenos Aires.
