Brazil‘s national team is brimming with confidence ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina in Buenos Aires. The spotlight is firmly on Raphinha, Barcelona’s 28-year-old winger who hasn’t shied away from bold predictions, even declaring that his side would “give Argentina a beating.”
He shared these thoughts during a candid exchange on Romário TV, where the 1994 World Cup winner prompted him about Brazil’s chances in the absence of Lionel Messi. Raphinha did not hold back. “We will beat them, no doubt,” he said. “On and off the pitch, if we have to.” That last comment raised eyebrows across social media, with many applauding his no-nonsense approach to the rivalry.
Some have questioned the intensity behind Raphinha’s words, especially when he promised to deliver “porrada neles” against Argentina. Yet Brazil captain Marquinhos gave the forward his full support, calling him “a phenomenon” for having a Ballon d’Or season at Barcelona. Marquinhos believes Raphinha’s blend of skill and leadership is exactly what the team needs. The defender praised the Barcelona man’s work ethic, pointing out how it sets the tone for everyone around him.
The rivalry continues
Raphinha appears ready to turn talk into action. He laughed off any suggestion of caution, openly telling Romário he intends to score against the Albiceleste. “F** them,” he said with a shrug, echoing decades of competitive tension between South America’s two giants. Even without Messi, Argentina remains formidable, but Raphinha’s remarks show he is focused on pulling off a statement win.
The buildup to this showdown comes right after Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia. That result, secured by a 99th-minute goal, gave the squad a shot of momentum going into Buenos Aires. Coach Dorival insisted there was “no relief” from the win, reminding his players they need to remain sharp. Alisson Becker, who just earned his 100th cap for Brazil, agreed that a single result won’t be enough in this high-pressure environment.
For Romário, who famously battled Argentina in his own day, the intensity makes sense. “They’re our biggest rival,” he said. “Now, thank God, without Messi, we’re going to beat them?” Raphinha’s unblinking reply underlined his self-assured personality. Even the typically reserved Dorival conceded that a confident atmosphere can unify the dressing room, although he urged the team to back it up on the field.
Whether this swagger pays off remains to be seen. Argentina will fight to protect its home turf and would love nothing more than to quiet Raphinha’s bold declarations. Still, the Brazilian winger’s energy is infectious, and it may be just what his team needs to keep pace in the long road to the 2026 World Cup.
