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29 Mar 2025, Sat

Messi taunts Raphinha after Argentina thrash Brazil 4-1 in Buenos Aires qualifiers

Marcos Pigosi


Argentina delivered a historic night in Buenos Aires, thrashing Brazil 4-1 at the Monumental de Núñez stadium during the 14th round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, sidelined by injury, the Albiceleste dominated the clásico and plunged Dorival Júnior’s Brazilian side into deeper turmoil. Watching from home, the Inter Miami star celebrated the victory on social media with a subtle jab at Brazil’s Raphinha, who had promised a physical battle before the match. With 31 points, Argentina remain atop the standings, while Brazil, with 21, face mounting pressure.

The game kicked off with Argentina asserting control early on. Just four minutes in, Julián Álvarez struck first, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross to showcase the hosts’ attacking prowess even without their captain. Brazil, visibly disjointed, struggled to counter Argentina’s relentless pace, conceding further goals to Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister before halftime. In the second half, debutant Giuliano Simeone sealed the rout, exploiting a collective defensive error from Brazil, who managed only a consolation goal. The win underscored Argentina’s collective strength.

While Brazil sink further into a troubling run—winning just once in their last five matches—Argentina continue their commanding form in the qualifiers. Messi, though absent from the pitch, praised his teammates’ display. “On the field, off the field, wherever I am, I’ll be with this team. Always about playing football,” he posted, a clear nod to Raphinha’s pre-game bravado. The Brazilian’s words fueled Argentina’s fire, answered emphatically with a performance that left no doubts.

Rivalry reignites in South American classic

Tensions soared in the latest chapter of the Argentina-Brazil rivalry on Tuesday night. Over 80,000 fans packed the Monumental, witnessing a masterclass from Lionel Scaloni’s squad, unfazed by Messi’s absence. The Argentine coach deployed a five-midfielder setup, choking Brazil’s creativity and allowing Álvarez to roam freely up top. Nicolás Otamendi anchored a defense that rendered Brazil’s attacks toothless, ensuring a one-sided affair.

Brazil, meanwhile, fielded a lineup aiming for balance but faltered in execution. Dorival Júnior trusted Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo to spark the offense, yet the lack of cohesion was glaring. Argentina exploited gaping holes in the Brazilian backline, with Simeone’s goal highlighting defensive lapses that proved costly. The Seleção’s struggles painted a stark contrast to their opponents’ fluidity.

Argentina shine without their star

Expectations of a tight contest without Messi quickly faded as Argentina showcased their depth. Scaloni had downplayed the hype beforehand, calling it “just a football match,” but his tactical tweak paid dividends. Packing the midfield with Fernández and Mac Allister, he suffocated Brazil’s playmakers, while Álvarez’s mobility up front kept the pressure relentless.

The first half alone saw three goals—a rarity against Brazil in qualifiers—with Álvarez striking early, Fernández slotting home a precise effort, and Mac Allister pouncing on a rebound. Simeone, son of Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone, capped the night with a fourth in the second half, marking a dream debut and cementing Argentina’s dominance.

Brazil’s crisis laid bare in Buenos Aires

The 4-1 defeat exposed Brazil’s ongoing woes in the qualifiers. With six wins from 14 matches, they sit third but risk slipping further as rivals close in. The Buenos Aires display was marred by defensive errors and a lackluster attack, despite featuring stars like Vinicius Jr., who barely threatened.

Raphinha, Messi’s target, endured a quiet night. The Leeds United winger’s pre-match pledge of aggression rang hollow as he failed to make an impact, his words backfiring amid Argentina’s onslaught. Post-match, the Brazilian locker room simmered with frustration, with players and staff reportedly demanding answers.

  • Key moments from the match:
  • Argentina netted three first-half goals, a feat unseen against Brazil in qualifiers since 2009.
  • Giuliano Simeone, on his full debut, became the fifth-youngest Argentine scorer in the competition.
  • Brazil suffered their heaviest official loss to Argentina since 1974.

Messi watches and revels from afar

Sidelined by a muscle injury from an MLS game, Messi followed every moment of the rout. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, still the qualifiers’ top scorer with six goals, took to social media to laud the team. His post also nodded to Argentina’s prior 2-0 win over Uruguay, underlining their red-hot form even without him on the pitch.

Messi’s absence barely dented his influence. At 37, the Argentine icon remains the heartbeat of his national team, and his jab at Raphinha reflected confidence in a squad poised to carry his legacy. He has hinted at playing in the 2026 World Cup, and this performance suggests Argentina will be a force with or without him.

Stats highlight Argentine dominance

The numbers from the clash tell a clear story. Argentina held 58% possession in the first half, firing off 12 shots to Brazil’s four. Their clinical edge shone through—four of seven on-target efforts found the net. With nine wins from 14 qualifier matches, they boast 31 points and are all but assured a 2026 World Cup spot.

Brazil, conversely, floundered. Their 42% possession yielded little, with a lone second-half goal as their only reward. A 10-point gap to Argentina in the standings underscores the divergent paths of these football giants, one soaring, the other scrambling.

Upcoming qualifier fixtures

June’s FIFA window looms large for both teams. Here’s what’s next:

  • Argentina: Face Chile away and host Colombia, potentially locking in top spot.
  • Brazil: Travel to Ecuador before welcoming Paraguay, desperate for a turnaround.

These matches could prove pivotal, especially for Brazil, who must climb from the brink to secure a top-six finish for direct qualification.

Fallout from the clásico

The thrashing sparked instant reactions. Argentina’s official social media reveled in each goal, spotlighting Álvarez—nicknamed “Spider”—and Simeone’s milestone. In Brazil, the loss drew fierce criticism, with former player Denílson publicly lamenting the team’s showing in Buenos Aires.

For Argentina, Messi’s absence was a footnote to a collective triumph. Scaloni, a Copa América and World Cup winner, bolsters his status as a top tactician. Brazil, however, faces a reckoning—tactical tweaks and unity are urgent needs to stem the slide.

Argentina’s home fortress stands firm

The Monumental de Núñez remains a daunting venue for Brazil. Their last qualifier win on Argentine soil came in 2009, a 3-1 result in Rosario with goals from Luisão and Luís Fabiano. Since then, two draws and now this 4-1 drubbing extend a 16-year drought. Argentina have lost to Brazil at home just once in official matches over the past 20 years.

A raucous crowd of over 80,000 amplified the pressure, unsettling a Brazilian side that wilted under the spotlight. The clásico, as always, tested both teams’ mettle, with Argentina passing emphatically.

Young stars dazzle for Argentina

Beyond Álvarez, a proven goal threat, Giuliano Simeone’s debut strike turned heads. At 22, the Atlético Madrid forward showed poise to punish Brazil’s mistake, signaling a bright future. His rise bolsters Argentina’s blend of youth and experience.

Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, also shone, dictating play and scoring. Scaloni’s current crop, forged in recent triumphs, looks equipped to sustain Argentina’s golden era, even as Messi’s shadow looms large.

  • Match trivia:
  • Argentina lead all teams with 28 qualifier goals against Brazil.
  • Brazil haven’t beaten Argentina away since 2009.
  • Messi, though absent, remains the qualifiers’ active top scorer.

Dorival Júnior under fire

For Brazil, Dorival Júnior’s position grows tenuous. Hired to revive the team post-2022 World Cup, his inconsistent results—capped by this rout—fuel scrutiny. A lack of tactical identity and poor link-up play plagued the side, raising doubts about his vision for 2026.

Captain Marquinhos shouldered some blame, but the clamor for change intensifies. The June qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay will be make-or-break for Dorival, as Brazil, five-time world champions, fight to avoid a qualification scare.

Argentina eye World Cup glory

Boasting 31 points from 14 rounds, Argentina are nearly guaranteed a 2026 World Cup berth. Their campaign—nine wins, one draw, four losses—mirrors the consistency of a team that’s won back-to-back Copa Américas and the 2022 World Cup. Thriving without Messi only heightens their credentials.

June clashes with Chile and Colombia could seal their spot early, freeing Scaloni to experiment. With youngsters like Simeone and Álvarez complementing stalwarts like Otamendi and De Paul, Argentina’s balance positions them as 2026 favorites—while Brazil search for answers.



Argentina delivered a historic night in Buenos Aires, thrashing Brazil 4-1 at the Monumental de Núñez stadium during the 14th round of South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Despite the absence of Lionel Messi, sidelined by injury, the Albiceleste dominated the clásico and plunged Dorival Júnior’s Brazilian side into deeper turmoil. Watching from home, the Inter Miami star celebrated the victory on social media with a subtle jab at Brazil’s Raphinha, who had promised a physical battle before the match. With 31 points, Argentina remain atop the standings, while Brazil, with 21, face mounting pressure.

The game kicked off with Argentina asserting control early on. Just four minutes in, Julián Álvarez struck first, capitalizing on a pinpoint cross to showcase the hosts’ attacking prowess even without their captain. Brazil, visibly disjointed, struggled to counter Argentina’s relentless pace, conceding further goals to Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister before halftime. In the second half, debutant Giuliano Simeone sealed the rout, exploiting a collective defensive error from Brazil, who managed only a consolation goal. The win underscored Argentina’s collective strength.

While Brazil sink further into a troubling run—winning just once in their last five matches—Argentina continue their commanding form in the qualifiers. Messi, though absent from the pitch, praised his teammates’ display. “On the field, off the field, wherever I am, I’ll be with this team. Always about playing football,” he posted, a clear nod to Raphinha’s pre-game bravado. The Brazilian’s words fueled Argentina’s fire, answered emphatically with a performance that left no doubts.

Rivalry reignites in South American classic

Tensions soared in the latest chapter of the Argentina-Brazil rivalry on Tuesday night. Over 80,000 fans packed the Monumental, witnessing a masterclass from Lionel Scaloni’s squad, unfazed by Messi’s absence. The Argentine coach deployed a five-midfielder setup, choking Brazil’s creativity and allowing Álvarez to roam freely up top. Nicolás Otamendi anchored a defense that rendered Brazil’s attacks toothless, ensuring a one-sided affair.

Brazil, meanwhile, fielded a lineup aiming for balance but faltered in execution. Dorival Júnior trusted Raphinha, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo to spark the offense, yet the lack of cohesion was glaring. Argentina exploited gaping holes in the Brazilian backline, with Simeone’s goal highlighting defensive lapses that proved costly. The Seleção’s struggles painted a stark contrast to their opponents’ fluidity.

Argentina shine without their star

Expectations of a tight contest without Messi quickly faded as Argentina showcased their depth. Scaloni had downplayed the hype beforehand, calling it “just a football match,” but his tactical tweak paid dividends. Packing the midfield with Fernández and Mac Allister, he suffocated Brazil’s playmakers, while Álvarez’s mobility up front kept the pressure relentless.

The first half alone saw three goals—a rarity against Brazil in qualifiers—with Álvarez striking early, Fernández slotting home a precise effort, and Mac Allister pouncing on a rebound. Simeone, son of Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone, capped the night with a fourth in the second half, marking a dream debut and cementing Argentina’s dominance.

Brazil’s crisis laid bare in Buenos Aires

The 4-1 defeat exposed Brazil’s ongoing woes in the qualifiers. With six wins from 14 matches, they sit third but risk slipping further as rivals close in. The Buenos Aires display was marred by defensive errors and a lackluster attack, despite featuring stars like Vinicius Jr., who barely threatened.

Raphinha, Messi’s target, endured a quiet night. The Leeds United winger’s pre-match pledge of aggression rang hollow as he failed to make an impact, his words backfiring amid Argentina’s onslaught. Post-match, the Brazilian locker room simmered with frustration, with players and staff reportedly demanding answers.

  • Key moments from the match:
  • Argentina netted three first-half goals, a feat unseen against Brazil in qualifiers since 2009.
  • Giuliano Simeone, on his full debut, became the fifth-youngest Argentine scorer in the competition.
  • Brazil suffered their heaviest official loss to Argentina since 1974.

Messi watches and revels from afar

Sidelined by a muscle injury from an MLS game, Messi followed every moment of the rout. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, still the qualifiers’ top scorer with six goals, took to social media to laud the team. His post also nodded to Argentina’s prior 2-0 win over Uruguay, underlining their red-hot form even without him on the pitch.

Messi’s absence barely dented his influence. At 37, the Argentine icon remains the heartbeat of his national team, and his jab at Raphinha reflected confidence in a squad poised to carry his legacy. He has hinted at playing in the 2026 World Cup, and this performance suggests Argentina will be a force with or without him.

Stats highlight Argentine dominance

The numbers from the clash tell a clear story. Argentina held 58% possession in the first half, firing off 12 shots to Brazil’s four. Their clinical edge shone through—four of seven on-target efforts found the net. With nine wins from 14 qualifier matches, they boast 31 points and are all but assured a 2026 World Cup spot.

Brazil, conversely, floundered. Their 42% possession yielded little, with a lone second-half goal as their only reward. A 10-point gap to Argentina in the standings underscores the divergent paths of these football giants, one soaring, the other scrambling.

Upcoming qualifier fixtures

June’s FIFA window looms large for both teams. Here’s what’s next:

  • Argentina: Face Chile away and host Colombia, potentially locking in top spot.
  • Brazil: Travel to Ecuador before welcoming Paraguay, desperate for a turnaround.

These matches could prove pivotal, especially for Brazil, who must climb from the brink to secure a top-six finish for direct qualification.

Fallout from the clásico

The thrashing sparked instant reactions. Argentina’s official social media reveled in each goal, spotlighting Álvarez—nicknamed “Spider”—and Simeone’s milestone. In Brazil, the loss drew fierce criticism, with former player Denílson publicly lamenting the team’s showing in Buenos Aires.

For Argentina, Messi’s absence was a footnote to a collective triumph. Scaloni, a Copa América and World Cup winner, bolsters his status as a top tactician. Brazil, however, faces a reckoning—tactical tweaks and unity are urgent needs to stem the slide.

Argentina’s home fortress stands firm

The Monumental de Núñez remains a daunting venue for Brazil. Their last qualifier win on Argentine soil came in 2009, a 3-1 result in Rosario with goals from Luisão and Luís Fabiano. Since then, two draws and now this 4-1 drubbing extend a 16-year drought. Argentina have lost to Brazil at home just once in official matches over the past 20 years.

A raucous crowd of over 80,000 amplified the pressure, unsettling a Brazilian side that wilted under the spotlight. The clásico, as always, tested both teams’ mettle, with Argentina passing emphatically.

Young stars dazzle for Argentina

Beyond Álvarez, a proven goal threat, Giuliano Simeone’s debut strike turned heads. At 22, the Atlético Madrid forward showed poise to punish Brazil’s mistake, signaling a bright future. His rise bolsters Argentina’s blend of youth and experience.

Alexis Mac Allister, the Liverpool midfielder, also shone, dictating play and scoring. Scaloni’s current crop, forged in recent triumphs, looks equipped to sustain Argentina’s golden era, even as Messi’s shadow looms large.

  • Match trivia:
  • Argentina lead all teams with 28 qualifier goals against Brazil.
  • Brazil haven’t beaten Argentina away since 2009.
  • Messi, though absent, remains the qualifiers’ active top scorer.

Dorival Júnior under fire

For Brazil, Dorival Júnior’s position grows tenuous. Hired to revive the team post-2022 World Cup, his inconsistent results—capped by this rout—fuel scrutiny. A lack of tactical identity and poor link-up play plagued the side, raising doubts about his vision for 2026.

Captain Marquinhos shouldered some blame, but the clamor for change intensifies. The June qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay will be make-or-break for Dorival, as Brazil, five-time world champions, fight to avoid a qualification scare.

Argentina eye World Cup glory

Boasting 31 points from 14 rounds, Argentina are nearly guaranteed a 2026 World Cup berth. Their campaign—nine wins, one draw, four losses—mirrors the consistency of a team that’s won back-to-back Copa Américas and the 2022 World Cup. Thriving without Messi only heightens their credentials.

June clashes with Chile and Colombia could seal their spot early, freeing Scaloni to experiment. With youngsters like Simeone and Álvarez complementing stalwarts like Otamendi and De Paul, Argentina’s balance positions them as 2026 favorites—while Brazil search for answers.



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