For several days, with Raphinha leading the charge after making incendiary statements in an interview with Romario, Brazil focused on heating up the match against Argentina more than necessary. However, the players led by Lionel Scaloni simply responded on the pitch of a Monumental stadium that once again witnessed another humiliation of Brazil.

Argentina delivers its biggest blow to Brazil

Aside from Cuti Romero's mistake, which led to Brazil's only goal from their single shot on target, Argentina's superiority was overwhelming. So much so that, after conquering Maracaná in November 2023 to confirm Brazil's first-ever home loss in South American Qualifiers, the 4-1 scoreline from last night was the biggest defeat Brazil has suffered on their road to the World Cup.

A humiliation by Argentina that didn’t even require the presence of Messi, who celebrated the victory on Instagram. "Perhaps, with Messi on the field, we could have scored two or three more goals," said Julián Álvarez. Scaloni, for his part, stated, “I want the Argentinians to enjoy this moment. We don't know how long it will last. Let's enjoy how these guys are playing.” Argentina, let’s remember, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup before the match, following Argentina's draw in Bolivia.

Vinícius reflects on the loss

For Brazil, although this loss to Argentina doesn’t put their qualification for the 2026 World Cup at risk, it does confirm the dramatic South American Qualifiers they are going through. In the 14 matches played, they have lost five, whereas, in the previous editions, they had only suffered 15 losses in 133 South American Qualifier matches.

“We played very poorly, and Argentina played an excellent match in front of their fans. We need to rethink everything we did because this can’t happen. We need to improve and not give up. There’s only one year left until the World Cup,” admitted Vinícius Jr, who played as a center forward and, despite completing all seven dribbles he attempted, didn’t take a single shot throughout the match.