The Argentine national team achieved a valuable victory against their hosts Brazil with a score of 1-0 at the Maracanã Stadium in the sixth round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The goal was scored by Otamendi for the Argentine team with a header to the right of Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The match's kick-off was delayed due to clashes between the fans of Brazil and Argentina. Police intervened extensively, and Lionel Messi attempted to calm the crowd.
Lionel Scaloni, the manager of the Argentine national team, announced the lineup for the match against Brazil as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Dibu Martínez
- Defense: Acuña, Otamendi, Romero, Molina
- Midfield: Enzo, Mac Allister, De Paul, Lo Celso
- Attack: Álvarez, Messi.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian lineup announced by coach Fernando Diniz included:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
- Defense: Emerson Royal, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Augusto
- Midfield: André, Bruno Guimarães, Rodrigo
- Attack: Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Raphinha.
The match was crucial for the Brazilian team, which has been struggling in the qualifiers, having collected only 7 points from 5 games. With this victory, the Argentine team leads the South American qualifiers with 15 points after playing 6 matches, winning 5 and losing 1, scoring 8 goals and conceding 2. In contrast, Brazil is in fifth place with 7 points after 6 matches, winning 2, drawing 1, and losing 2, with their players having scored 8 goals and conceded 7.
