Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni responds to Raphinha’s provocation, reflecting on Messi and Neymar
Argentina is set to host Brazil in what promises to be an exciting encounter for the CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, and forward Raphinha has already stoked the rivalry with provocative comments. In response to the FC Barcelona star, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni took the opportunity to reflect on the relationship between Lionel Messi and Neymar.
Although both Messi and Neymar were sidelined due to last-minute injuries, the buildup to the Argentina-Brazil clash remains intense, further fueled by Raphinha’s controversial remarks. In an interview with Romario TV, Raphinha boldly declared, “We’re going to give Argentina a beating, no doubt,” stirring up controversy among fans.
When asked about Brazil’s players’ statements, Scaloni responded with a message aimed at de-escalating the situation. “It’s an Argentina-Brazil match, it’s always an important game, but it’s still just a soccer match. I remember the image after the 2021 Copa America final of Leo sitting with Neymar on the steps of Maracana, and that is the image that should stay with all of us,” said Scaloni during Monday’s press conference.
The Argentina coach emphasized that the rivalry should be kept in perspective: “That says it all: the best player in the world, and possibly the second-best player in the world, together and being friends. That’s the image we should hold on to. After that, it’s a soccer match, 90 minutes where each one wants to win. It doesn’t need to go beyond that, and it won’t go beyond that.”
Scaloni reflected on the moment when Argentina won the 2021 Copa America over Brazil, a moment that ended the country’s long wait for a major trophy. Despite the rivalry, a heartwarming image of Messi and Neymar laughing and talking together after the final captured a rare moment of unity between the two superstars.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 PM ET at Estadio Monumental, with Argentina on the brink of securing their qualification for the 2026 World Cup. With Brazil on the horizon, Scaloni hopes the game will remain focused on the sport, avoiding any disruptions like those that have occurred in the past.
Expectations for the key game without Messi
Argentina faced Uruguay without Messi but still managed to secure a 1-0 victory away, demonstrating that the team is not overly reliant on their star player. Ahead of the Brazil match, Scaloni shared his expectations.
“We expect a match similar to the one against Uruguay. Brazil has the potential to dominate you because it is one of the biggest national teams in the world, but we will be prepared for the phases of the game where they dominate us, and very attentive to their counterattacks when we dominate,” said Scaloni.
The coach then stated the importance of this type of games as tests for the team to try and adapt without the team star: “It’s a great match to show that the team is still going strong, and the idea is to put in a good performance against a great opponent. We have to find a way to play without Messi. We try to develop a system so that his absence is felt as little as possible.”