The centre-back jumped over two defenders to provide the only goal as Lionel Messi and Co. saw off their most hated rivals

In the build-up to Argetina's World Cup qualifier against Brazil, much was made of Lionel Messi's record against Selecao. He hadn't scored in a competitive fixture against his country's biggest rival and, with the World Cup champions heading to the famous Maracana, could this be the game where he finally finds his big moment?

In the end, Messi's most important role was that of peacemaker, as he led his team off the pitch after some ugly scenes pre-game. Once the match did begin after a 30-minute delay, it wasn't Messi that would be the hero. No, this time around, it was someone a bit more unlikely.

Nicolas Otamendi scored the only goal in Argentina's 1-0 win, one that keeps them on track to secure an early qualification for 2026. Perhaps more importantly, though, it piled on the misery for Brazil, who have now lost three in a row, an unfathomable streak for the five-time winners.

It wasn't a pretty Argentina victory, as the game lacked any sort of rhythm early on with both sets of players clearly riled up by the pre-game events. Once it did settle down, though, Argentina were the better of the two sides, and they leave Brazil will all three points in hand while reminding the world that is the Albiceleste, not Brazil, that are now CONMEBOL's final boss.

GOAL rates Argentina's players from the Maracana…

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Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

Made one big save early in the second half with Gabriel Jesus got through and found Gabriel Martinelli. Shortly after, Argentina scored.

Marcos Acuna (7/10):

A solid game from the Sevilla man, who did a little bit of everything on the left-hand side

Nicolas Otamendi (8/10):

Colossal goal from the veteran defender, who certainly has his detractors as he slows down with age. He showed none of it on his header, as he jumped over two defenders to smash home a winner.

Cristian Romero (8/10):

An absolute monster at the back. Passing was perfect, as was the defending, with Romero making several big tackles to keep Brazil at bay.

Nahuel Molina (6/10):

Not as impactful as Acuna was on the other side as he never seemed to really influence the game.

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Giovani Lo Celso (7/10):

Making his first start since before the World Cup, the midfielder provided the assist from a corner on Otamendi's goal, giving him a good moment in an otherwise eh performance.

Rodrigo de Paul (7/10):

Was bloodied early and fouled often, but kept his cool to put in a solid shift in the middle of the field.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10):

Completed nearly ever pass, as the Chelsea man really helped Argentina dictate play at certain points. Was solid defensively, too, winning six duels and two tackles.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

Possibly the only player that took more of a beating than De Paul, Mac Allister fought through and really helped Argentina see out the game. Really raised his game in the second half when Argentina needed him most.

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Lionel Messi (6/10):

Never really looked fit. Went to the sidelines early with an apparent muscle injury and never really influenced the game after.

Julian Alvarez (5/10):

Just 18 touches and zero shots in what ended up being a very, very quiet game from the Manchester City man.

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Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10):

Replaced Acuna in the second half, but definitely wasn't as good.

Nico Gonzalez (6/10):

Thrown on in the 70th to add some fresh legs and an attacking outlet, but never really did anything on the ball.

Leandro Paredes (6/10):

With the midfield in need of life, Scaloni turned to Paredes, who added a bit of bite to a fading group.

Angel Di Maria (N/A):

Given 15 minutes or so as Argentina held onto their lead.

Lautaro Martinez (N/A):

Same as Di Maria and, like Alvarez, didn't get much service during his brief time on the field.

Lionel Scaloni (7/10):

Mission accomplished! It wasn't pretty, for sure, but Scaloni settled down his side after a tough loss to Uruguay last time out. Even with Brazil in bad form, escaping the Maracana with three points is still something to take pride in, and Scaloni managed his side perfectly to do just that.