The build-up to the Argentina vs. Brazil match was dominated by controversial comments from Brazil’s Raphinha. As Argentina’s players celebrated a statement victory, the focus quickly turned to their boss Lionel Scaloni, who had a response of his own to Raphinha’s pre-match bravado—delivered in just five words.
The rivalry between Argentina and Brazil has long been one of soccer’s most intense, filled with passion, drama, and moments that define generations. The latest clash between these South American giants in the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers was no different, but this time, the tension was heightened even before a ball was kicked.
The build-up to the match was dominated by controversial comments from Brazil’s Raphinha, whose bold claims set the stage for an emotionally charged encounter. The Barcelona winger confidently predicted a Brazilian victory, dismissing Argentina’s status as world champions. But when the final whistle blew, it was the Albiceleste who had delivered the beating, running out 4-1 winners in Buenos Aires.
As Argentina’s players celebrated a statement victory, the focus quickly turned to their boss Lionel Scaloni, who had a response of his own to Raphinha’s pre-match bravado—delivered in just five words.
Argentina crushes Brazil on the pitch
Brazil’s night at El Monumental quickly turned into a nightmare. Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone all found the back of the net, humiliating the Seleção in a game that left their players frustrated and their fans stunned.
Raphinha, the man at the center of the pre-match controversy, endured a difficult night. After Brazil’s defeat, emotions boiled over as he was involved in a heated altercation with Emiliano Martinez and Leandro Paredes. As he walked toward the tunnel, the goalkeeper seemingly bumped him on purpose, leading to an exchange of words with Paredes. Raphinha tried to confront his Argentine opponents, but teammate Endrick restrained him, pulling him away before the situation escalated further.
However, it wasn’t just Argentina’s players who had something to say. The home fans also made their voices heard, mocking the Brazilian winger with chants that echoed through the stadium. During the second half, as Dorival Junior’s players cruised to victory, the crowd broke out into a mocking chant directed at the Barcelona star, referencing his pre-match statements.
The chant, which roughly translates to “Put Raphinha in, you son of a b**,”** quickly went viral on social media, with videos showing thousands of fans singing in unison, taunting the Brazilian winger for his failed prediction.
Scaloni’s five-word response to Raphinha
After the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was asked about Raphinha’s pre-game comments and whether they had motivated his team. Rather than fueling the fire, Scaloni took a more measured approach, dismissing the idea that Argentina’s performance was a direct response to the Brazilian’s words.
“Whether there were statements or not, both teams would have played in their own style,” Scaloni said. “Raphinha is defending his country, and I don’t believe there is any intention to harm anyone.”
His response—”Raphinha is defending his country”—served as a conciliatory gesture, defusing the tension rather than adding to it. Scaloni’s calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the fiery atmosphere surrounding the game, reinforcing his belief that soccer should remain a sport of respect, despite the fierce rivalry.
Beyond the individual battle between the ex-Premier League star and La Albiceleste, Scaloni focused on the team’s overall performance, praising the collective effort that led to such a dominant victory. “It was a collective victory because we played as one team, and that’s why we succeeded in narrowing the gap with Brazil,” he said. “It’s the only way to overcome these players.”
