Raphinha stirs the pot ahead of Brazil's clash with Argentina: "We'll beat them up"

Brazilian forward Raphinha has ignited anticipation for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Argentina, boldly claiming he will score and hinting at a fiercely contested battle between the historic rivals.

"We'll beat them up... Absolutely! Beat them up! On the pitch and off the pitch if we have to," Raphinha declared during an interview with Brazilian legend Romário on Romário TV.

His confident remarks quickly made waves in Argentina, with local media interpreting them as a provocation. However, Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, took a more composed stance, choosing not to escalate tensions.

"Warriors on the pitch, good friends off of it," Scaloni remarked in a press conference, emphasizing that while the match is significant, it remains a football game at its core. He pointed to the camaraderie between Lionel Messi and Neymar after the 2021 Copa América final as the example to follow.

Raphinha’s return to Argentina carries extra significance, as his last visit in 2021 saw him suffer an elbow from Nicolás Otamendi that required five stitches. Brazil, currently third in the South American qualifying standings, will be looking to break a six-year winless streak against Argentina, with their last victory on Argentine soil dating back 16 years.

Meanwhile, Argentina sit atop the table and could secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, depending on the outcome of Bolivia’s match against Uruguay. If Bolivia fails to win, a draw against Brazil will be enough to book Argentina’s ticket to the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

SportsLigue