Brazilian health officials stormed onto the pitch to stop the country's World Cup qualifier against Argentina on Sunday because three Argentinians apparently broke COVID-19 regulations.

Anvisa, Brazil's health agency, said just hours before kickoff that Argentina's England-based players – goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, defender Cristian Romero, and midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Emiliano Buendia – lied to immigration officers about their recent travel history to avoid entering quarantine. Anvisa then instructed the players to quarantine immediately and return to their country of origin.

Despite the order, Martinez, Romero, and Lo Celso started Sunday's game at Corinthians Arena. Buendia wasn't included in the team.

Health officials halted play seven minutes into the clash. Argentina headed back to the dressing room, and CONMEBOL, which governs South American football, confirmed the match was suspended.

"Why did they start the game and stop it after five minutes?" Argentina captain Lionel Messi said, according to Reuters. "We've been here at the stadium for an hour. They could have told us."