Messi and his teammates left the field during a game against Brazil
The dramatic scenes that unfolded during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco have sparked renewed attention to a similar incident involving Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team in 2023.
During Senegal’s controversial walk-off in the AFCON final following a late penalty decision in Morocco’s favour, football fans on social media quickly shared footage of Argentina’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil, where the reigning world champions also left the pitch amid chaos.
The incident occurred in November 2023 at the Maracanã Stadium, moments before kickoff of a World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina.
Violence broke out in the stands after sections of the home crowd booed Argentina’s national anthem, leading to clashes between supporters of both teams.
AFCON Champions Senegal honoured with hero’s reception at Presidential Palace
Local police intervened, but the situation escalated, prompting Argentina captain Lionel Messi and several teammates to approach the stands in an attempt to calm the situation.
When it became clear that order would not be restored immediately, Messi led his team off the pitch and back into the dressing room.
Brazil’s players remained on the field as officials worked to restore calm.
The match eventually resumed approximately 30 minutes later.
Watch the video below:
November 2023 Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier at Maracanã. The World’s Number 1 Messi team left the field in protest, delaying kickoff 27 minutes!
Messi wasn’t fine! This post is not about Messi, BUT to the Docile, Intellectual Vegetables especially Nigerians who want to… pic.twitter.com/1iZ46h4CV4— African (@ali_naka) January 20, 2026
FKA/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph
