Brazil star Raphinha stokes up Argentina tensions and promises: "We'll beat them up"
Brazil face their arch rivals for the first time since crowd trouble erupted following Argentina's historic victory in Rio, with Barcelona star Raphinha promising revenge
Brazil star Raphinha has lit the touch paper before the World Cup qualifier against rivals Argentina by claiming: “We’ll beat them up - on and off the pitch if necessary.” And the former Leeds winger has guaranteed he will score against the “b******s” in Buenos Aires.
The clash will be Raphinha’s first game in Argentina since he was elbowed in the mouth by Argentina and former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi and required five stitches in 2021. And this will be the first meeting between the two fierce rivals since November 2023 when Argentina handed Brazil their first-ever home loss in World Cup qualifying.
The mad match in Rio saw crowd trouble delay the kickoff by half an hour and Newcastle's Joelinton sent off late in the defeat.
And speaking to Brazil legend Romario on his TV show, the Barcelona winger said: We are going to beat them up on and off the pitch if necessary. I am going to score. They can **** themselves!" And Ballon D'Or candidate Raphinha added: "In Argentina, you have to hit them, it hurts! They're b******s."
Former Argentina and Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria took to social media to post three laughing face emojis alongside a report on Raphinha's comments.
But despite local media fury, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni tried to dial down the tension between the two South American football superpowers. “Warriors on the pitch, good friends off of it,” said the World Cup winner.
“I didn’t go much deeper into players’ statements but I’m aware of it. Argentina versus Brazil is an important match but it is still a football match. It doesn’t have to go beyond that.
“I remember the image of Leo (Messi) with Neymar after the Copa America final on the steps of the Maracana, that’s the image we have to keep. The best in the world and probably the second best together, being friends. That’s the image we need.
“It’s a football match that we both want to win. We all have a Brazilian friend, I know a lot of them, it shouldn’t go beyond that. We don’t have to give it much more thought.”
The world champions have not lost to Brazil in six years - or 16 years at home - and can seal qualification for the next World Cup if they avoid defeat against Brazil in the qualifier which kicks off at 9pm local time on Tuesday (midnight in the UK).
Argentina, who lead the South American qualifying group, could secure a place before a ball is kicked in Buenos Aires if seventh-placed Bolivia fail to beat Uruguay in a match that kicks off four hours before La Albiceleste take on their old rivals at the Monumental. The top six qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Brazil sit third behind Ecuador after winning only six of their 13 qualifiers - and seven out of 15 overall - under Dorival who was appointed at the start of last year.
"We live in a country that loves to criticise, it’s a shame but that’s what I think,” said Dorival. “That we love to criticise and rarely get the respect when it deserves. But time puts everyone in their place.
"I understand how football works and I embrace the challenge of being under pressure. I believe in hard work, dedication, respect and seriousness in what we do. I've been in charge of the national team for 15 games. You can put me accountable for my work in due time."
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