There were awful scenes in Brazil and Argentina’s World Cup qualifier as the match was delayed because of a fight that broke out between fans in the stands.

Lionel Messi led Argentina back down the tunnel until the match was safe to resume.

Before Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match versus Argentina, there was a large-scale fight in the Maracana stands that resulted in frightening scenes involving clashes between fans and police.

Tuesday night at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s notorious Maracana stadium, the World Cup winners took on longtime foes Brazil, but the highly anticipated showdown was spoiled before it started.

Kickoff had to be postponed by thirty minutes due to rival supporters rioting during the Brazilian national anthem and then fighting with Brazilian police.

Rival supporters were spotted yelling at one another and even tearing chairs out of the stands to throw them at one another, though it’s unclear what started the altercation.

Police from Rio de Janeiro rushed to the scene, but were unable to stop the fight until they startled the spectators by hitting them with batons.

A mass brawl in the stands of the Maracana broke out ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina

Rivals supporters began fighting with one another before clashing with Brazilian police

Lionel Messi led the Argentina players off the field with kickoff delayed due to the chaotic

The reigning World Cup winners initially appeared to be refusing to return to the field