As fans and FIFA executives watched the festivities, heavily armed officers outside struggled to keep a growing crowd of protesters under control.The clashes unfolded while pop star Shakira performed during the opening ceremony inside the stadium.Anti-government protesters march through Mexico City during demonstrations held on World Cup opening day.
(Photo by Claudia Rosel/Getty Images) ((Photo by Claudia Rosel/Getty Images))The situation escalated into a physical confrontation.Protesters hurled objects at security forces, prompting riot police to deploy batons and shields.PROTESTERS ATTACK POLICE, BREACH BARRIER AT MEXICO'S NATIONAL PALACE DURING RALLY AGAINST CARTEL VIOLENCEAmid the chaos and crowd surge, a man reportedly suffered a heart attack.Emergency medical personnel faced delays navigating through the unrest to reach the victim.The opening-day violence immediately raised questions about security for the monthlong tournament, which the United States, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting.The protest stems from frustration over several issues facing Mexico.
Demonstrators raised concerns about cartel violence and poverty.Police stand guard outside Estadio Azteca as anti-government protesters gather on World Cup opening day.(Photo by Claudia Rosel/Getty Images) ((Photo by Claudia Rosel/Getty Images))Protesters took to the streets to demand government accountability for "the disappeared," referring to the roughly 130,000 people reported missing across the country.SOCCER MATCHES POSTPONED AFTER MEXICO KILLS CARTEL LEADER ‘EL MENCHO’ NEAR WORLD CUP HOSTMany residents view the billions of dollars spent on hosting the World Cup as money that should have been directed toward problems at home.With tens of thousands of fans expected to attend matches throughout the competition, the unrest outside the primary venue is likely to increase scrutiny of security preparations for upcoming matches.CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APPNeither FIFA nor local organizing offi...