Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier suspended after players breached coronavirus rules, officials say

Officials with Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa walked on to the pitch at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo just minutes after kick-off to stop the game

Brazilian health officials objected to the participation of three Argentine players they say broke coronavirus quarantine rules

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Argentina’s Lionel Messi walks off the field after the qualifying match for the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 against Brazil was interrupted by health officials in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday. Photo: AP

Published: 5:06am, 6 Sep 2021Updated: 5:08am, 6 Sep 2021

A World Cup qualifier between Brazil and Argentina was suspended on Sunday after Brazilian health officials objected to the participation of three Argentine players they say broke quarantine rules.

Officials with Brazil’s health regulator Anvisa walked on to the pitch at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, just minutes after kick-off to stop the game.

The players were surprised at the encroachment and the Argentines quickly left the field, although the two coaches, along with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Brazilian players, gathered at the side of the pitch a few moments later to discuss the stoppage.

Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, right, in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Sunday. Photo: AP

“Why did they start the game and stop it after five minutes?” Messi said in comments heard on television. “We’ve been here at the stadium for an hour, they could have told us.”

Messi then returned to the dressing room and at 5pm local time, an hour after the game kicked off, the match was officially suspended.