Argentina, Brazil fans go at it in Lohagara over banner ridiculing Messi

A banner mocking Argentina star Lionel Messi has triggered a scuffle between Argentina and Brazil fans in Chattogram’s Lohagara, leaving four people with “minor” injuries.

The trouble broke out on Monday afternoon near Kalowarpara of the Upazila’s Sadar Union, and was later resolved through a mediation meeting led by local BNP leaders, according to ATM Zahed, former joint secretary of the Upazila BNP.

Locals said a group of young Brazil supporters had put up the banner a few days earlier.

It featured an image of Messi appearing to kiss a German footballer’s foot, alongside Brazil’s five World Cup triumphs, Pele holding three trophies, Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal, and seven footballs—a dig at Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup.

The banner enraged local Argentina fans, who demanded it be taken down.

When Brazil supporters refused, a fan identified as Abul Kashem tore it down himself.

Brazil fans then set upon him, and a broader scuffle broke out between the two groups, leaving Kashem, Md Touhid, Md Jisan, and Bashir Uddin hurt.

Tension spread through the area before BNP leaders stepped in.

Zahed said he contacted both sides quickly, urged calm, and convened an evening meeting with local elders.

Those who had beaten Kashem apologised to him, and everyone was told to stay alert and avoid any further trouble over football.

Both sides were also warned at the meeting that if tensions flared again, law enforcers would step in, Zahed added.