The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina for being the most recognized national teams in South American football is one of the fiercest that exists in this sport. However, it had been a long time since such a heated buildup was seen… and that’s considering this is a World Cup 2026 Qualifiers match. All of this, following the incendiary statements made by Raphinha in an exclusive interview with Romario.

Argentina wanted to show the World Cup to Brazil

Asked about how he imagined the match between Argentina and Brazil might play out, Raphinha showed his rebellious side. “We’re going to give them a beating,” he told Romario just before promising that he would score his first goal against Argentina, which caused a huge stir… leading the AFA to prepare a response that could be described as humiliating.

According to several media outlets in Argentina yesterday afternoon, the AFA had planned to show El Monumental the World Cup won in Qatar in 2022 while both teams were entering the field. However, Scaloni himself reportedly put the brakes on this response in an attempt to ease the growing tension surrounding the match.

Scaloni sends a conciliatory message

In a press conference, Scaloni wanted to send a conciliatory message ahead of the Argentina vs Brazil match: “It’s a football game. 90 minutes on the field, and each one wants to win. After that, I think we all have a Brazilian friend or acquaintance. I’ve played with many, and I get along well with them.” It’s curious, though, that none of the 22 players expected to start share the same team.

He also recalled the image featuring Messi and Neymar after the Copa América 2021 final: “I remember the image after the Copa América final in 2021, of Leo (Messi) sitting with Neymar on the steps of the Maracanã, and that’s the image we all need to remember.” We’ll see if his words resonate when the Superclásico begins.