The opening ceremony of the World Cup in Mexico City, at the Azteca Stadium, turned into a nightmare for legendary Brazilian footballer Marcelo.
The former Real Madrid left-back traveled to Mexico to attend the spectacle live as a guest of FIFA and follow the start of the championship.
He enthusiastically shared photos from the opening ceremony and Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa on social media, but what he didn't share were the dramatic moments he experienced after the match.
The Brazilian, after the duel, was caught in the chaos that arose during the clash between protesters and police forces in the vicinity of the "Azteca" stadium.
According to Spanish media, the competent authorities assessed that Marcelo was in a situation of high security risk.
Fortunately for him, the police officers recognized him near the riot and immediately reacted to prevent a possible incident.
Thanks to quick intervention, the football player was placed under protection and safely taken out of the conflict zone.
CNN Brazil also published the footage..
Mexican authorities organized a massive security operation involving thousands of police officers, with the aim of ensuring that the opening of the championship would proceed without incident.
However, numerous social movements have used the major sporting event to draw attention to their problems.
Estimates suggest that six different groups - from educators to families of victims of drug cartel wars - used the World Cup to rally. Violent clashes broke out between demonstrators and law enforcement officers at several locations near the stadium.
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