Argentina beats Brazil 1-0 in World Cup qualifying after crowd violence delays start

RIO DE JANEIRO — It seemed like Argentina had just won the World Cup again after a dramatic win in Brazil.

Lionel Messi’s squad celebrated for more than 10 minutes on the pitch at the Maracana Stadium after their 1-0 win over archrival Brazil on Tuesday.

It was Brazil’s first home defeat ever in World Cup qualifying, a game that was delayed because of a brawl between fans in the stands.

Many fans went to the Maracana to watch Messi in likely his last match in Brazil, a superclasico against the hosts. Instead, they saw Nicolás Otamendi score the only goal of the match. It was Brazil’s third consecutive loss in the round-robin tournament — another negative mark for new coach Fernando Diniz.

It was also the first time since 2009 that the five-time World Cup winners failed to score in a home game.

Messi left the pitch in the 78th minute amid a mixture of jeers and applause from Brazil fans. Dozens of children arrived at the Maracana wearing the shirts of Barcelona, the star’s previous club, and Inter Miami.

The Argentine star was unable to end one of his last barriers in the sport, though, failing to score against the Brazilians in a World Cup qualifier at the Maracana.

Argentina will return home not only atop the South American qualifying standings but also having given its fans one more chance to celebrate a victory at the historic stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Two years ago, Ángel di Maria scored the only goal in an empty Maracana to give his team the Copa America title.

“I am so happy. We made history again and gave this joy to our people,” said midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, who kneeled and opened his arms in celebration after the final whistle. “The derbies are like this. If we…