Nicolas Otamendi emerged as the unlikely hero as Argentina handed fierce rivals Brazil a home defeat in a feisty World Cup qualifying game at the Maracana stadium on Tuesday.

The defeat sealed by a towering header from Otamendi was Brazil’s first-ever home loss in a World Cup qualifier, having entered the game 51-13-0 in 64 such matches.

Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi started in what was likely his last match in Brazil but was substituted in the 78th minute amid a mixture of jeers and applause from Brazilian fans.

It was also a third consecutive loss for Brazil as they came into the match having conceded back-to-back defeats in World Cup qualifiers for the first time in their history.

Argentina tops the standings with 15 points with Brazil eight points behind in sixth place, the last spot that guarantees a berth at the 2026 finals.

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