Lionel Messi lashes out at Brazilian police for the 'repression' of Argentina fans after mayhem at Maracana before World Cup qualifier: 'A tragedy could have happened'

Lionel Messi chastised Brazilian police on Tuesday night after Argentina's World Cup qualifying win vs. their old rivals was marred by violence before the game.

Prior to the 1-0 Argentina win at the Maracana, a mass brawl broke out in the stands as fans and police clashed in shocking scenes.

After Argentina and Brazil fans started fighting, police began using batons on the brawling fans - leaving some bloodied as a result.

And while Messi would normally have been thrilled to beat his arch rivals, he was understandably still thinking about the violent scenes after the match.

'We saw how [police] were hitting the people, it already happened in the Libertadores final,' he said, referring to the scenes at the Maracana before Fluminense's win over Boca Juniors this year. 'They were more focused on that than on the game.

'We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.'

He added, 'We are a family. We decided to play to make situation more calm.'

Messi also took to Instagram after the game, writing, 'This team continues to make history.

'Great victory in the Maracana although it will be marked by the repression of the Argentinians once again in Brazil. This can't be tolerated it's insane and it needs to end now!!'

Some players from both Brazil and Argentina approached the stands to attempt to calm fans down amid the pre-game melee. 

However, a handful only added fuel to the fire as Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez leapt up towards the stands and appeared to try to grab a baton out of a police officer's hand before being torn away from the scene by his teammates.

Amid the tumult, Messi ultimately led his Albiceleste teammates back into the locker rooms. 

Argentina told their Brazil rivals they would only return to the pitch after the situation was calm. 

They eventually returned after 22 minutes in the dressing room, and warmed up for another three minutes before the game was finally started.

Meanwhile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni admitted that he's pondering his future with the national team.

The 45-year-old has managed Argentina since 2018, and helped lead them to a World Cup triumph last year. 

 'I need to think a lot about what I want to do,' he said. 'It's not a goodbye or anything else. The bar is very high and it's complicated to continue….this national team needs a coach who has all the possible energy and who is well'

Through six games, La Albiceleste are top of South American World Cup qualifying with 15 points, while Brazil are sixth with seven points.