Raphinha has sworn that Brazil will “beat up” Argentina prior to their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying collision in the Estadio Mas Monumental.
The Barcelona attacker, who scored 27 goals this season in 42 performances in all competitions, has also guaranteed that he will score a goal on the side of Lionel Scaloni.
Raphinha was on goal in the 2-1 victory of Brazil over Colombia with an early penalty, with the late strike of Vinicius Junior de Selecao moving to third in the qualification table.
But Argentina, who are clear six points in the rankings, had had the better of this legendary competition, which last lost to Brazil in the semi -final of the Copa America 2019.
However, Brazil has not won on Argentinian peat since 2009, with Luis Fabiano's Brace sealing a 3-1 victory in Rosario in a different qualifying members of the World Cup.
And although Brazil is only preferred in 23.4% of the data-conducted simulations of Opta to win, Raphinha said that he would do everything in his power to help his team to victory.
“We will beat them together … Absolutely! Take them together! On the field and outside the field if necessary,” said Raphinha in an interview on 'Romario TV' with the Brazilian Great.
“I definitely go to (score a goal against Argentina). I go inside with everything I have …”
Gigantes Pela Própria Natureza!
HOJE é Dia de Brasa!
A Seleção Brasileira Entra EM Campo Hoje (25), às 21h, Contra a Argentina, No Estádio Monumental, EM Buenos Aires. A partida é Válida Pela 14ª Rodada das Eliminatórias da Copa do Mundo 2026.
Pra Cimaaaaa, Brasil! pic.twitter.com/eywembskmu
– CBF FUTEBOL (@CBF_FUTEBOL) 25 March 2025
Raphinha's comments caused a stir in Argentina, where local media called his “harsh words” a threat.
But Argentina manager Scaloni chose to trivialize the rivalry and emphasize sportiness above hostility prior to the long-awaited collision.
“Warriors on the field, good friends of that,” Scaloni told a press conference later on Monday.
“I didn't go much deeper into the statements of players, but I am aware of it. Argentina versus Brazil is an important match, but it is still a football match. It doesn't have to go any further.
“I remember the image of Leo (Messi) with Neymar after the Copa America -final on the stairs of the Maracana, that is the image we have to keep.
“The best in the world and probably the second best together, being friends. That is the image we need.
“It is 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 any further. We don't have to think much about it anymore.”
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