Raphinha suffers backlash after explosive Argentina jibe | OneFootball

Barcelona winger Raphinha was made to eat his words during Tuesday night's humbling defeat for Brazil at the hands of fierce rivals Argentina.

The World Cup holders, playing without veteran talisman Lionel Messi, romped to a 4-1 victory in Buenos Aires to secure their place at the 2026 finals with four qualifying games to spare.

In the build-up, Raphinha had come out fighting during a televised chat with Brazil legend Romario.

"A beating, no doubt. I'm going to score. Screw them!" he said in an explosive message that he and the Selecao were ultimately unable to back up.

Argentina didn't take Raphinha's comments lightly and made sure he knew he was in a game. In the closing stages of the first half, the Barcelona star was on the receiving end of a foul from Nicolas Tagliafico. Raphinha shoved his opponent, with both sets of players – including each goalkeeper – then embroiled in a melee in the centre circle.

Raphinha's retaliation sparked a mass melee / Daniel Jayo/GettyImages

"Talk less," was the clear message from Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi in Raphinha's direction. The crowd made their feelings clear too, chanting, "You f***ing bitch" at the player.

By the time of the flashpoint following the Tagliafico foul, Argentina were already 3-1 up, after Alexis Mac Allister had added to earlier goals from Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez.

Although he did strike the woodwork, the 2025 Ballon d'Or contender was ultimately marked out of the game, having the fewest touches of any player on the pitch to complete 90 minutes.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni took a softer view. "I apologise to Raphinha because I know he didn't do it on purpose," the coach said post-match. "He's defending his team. We value it because we prefer a heated match, but with or without statements, in Argentina we were going to play our game."

Brazil still have a little bit of work to do across the remainder of World Cup qualifying to ensure they keep up their unmatched record of playing at every tournament since 1930. With the top six from South America automatically qualifying, there is a healthy six-point gap back to Venezuela in seventh.