Lionel Messi seen leading his team off the pitch as police clash with fans before Brazil vs Argentina

Lionel Messi was pictured leading his team off the pitch after scenes of violence between police and fans ahead of Brazil vs Argentina last night.

The violence began when fighting broke out between a section of Brazil and Argentina supporters during the national anthems, leading to police charging at the travelling supporters.

Fighting then ensued, with some Argentina supporters running on to the pitch to escape. There were some injuries, including one fan suffering a bloodied head and requiring treatment on the field.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, meanwhile, was one of several players who pleaded with police to stop the chaos.

He had been joined by his team-mates, who all hurdled the barricade at the edge of the pitch in order to check on what was happening.

Messi, who is Argentina's captain, then decided to take things one step further.

Upon surveying what was happening, the Inter Miami star decided to walk his team off the pitch.

After seeing the captain walking off the field, the remaining Argentina players decided to join Messi as they showed solidarity to those affected in the stands.

The 36-year-old described the incidents as 'bad' after the match, and on his decision to return to the dressing room, explained: "We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down. It could have ended in tragedy."

He also said that friends and family of the Argentina players were situated in the part of the ground where the clashes had taken place.

Once the violence had dissipated, the match did get underway, with Argentina winning 1-0 thanks to Nicolas Otamendi's second half goal.

Lionel Scaloni's side held on for victory in the World Cup qualifier, with Brazil now down in sixth out of 10 teams in the group following their fourth game without a win and third defeat in a row.