Argentina fans clashed with their Mexican counterparts after supporters were seen filming themselves chanting “f*** Messi“.
Tensions broke out in a fan zone at the Al Bidda Park in Doha on Wednesday night just a day after Argentina suffered a surprise defeat to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup opener. Fan zones have been propped up across the city to allow supporters to come together and watch games throughout the day.
But the scene turned violent when Argentina and Mexico fans gathered with large groups coming to blows after anti-Messi chants reportedly grew in volume among the Mexican cohort.
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In video footage that has since gone viral on social media, there are no Qatari authorities in sight.
It has been further reported some fans have suffered minor injuries as scraps broke out between two countries that notoriously do not get on. And the lack of security might be a concern ahead of the weekend when they come head-to-head on the pitch.
Argentina and Mexico will face one another on Saturday in Group C – in what is now a crucial clash for both sides after they both failed to win their openers.
(Image: Twitter)
(Image: Twitter)
The Albiceleste suffered one of the most shocking defeats at the hands of Saudi Arabia while Mexico could not muster enough against Poland in a game that ended 0-0.
It means that whoever loses would be on the brink of elimination from the tournament – quite the turnaround from the start of the competition where Argentina were being touted as favourites. And for Lionel Messi, that could mean the end of his international dream to win the World Cup in his career.
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