Lionel Messi sends a message to Raphinha after Argentina's thrashing of Brazil

Argentina mathematically secured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup thanks to the draw between Bolivia and Uruguay, and they celebrated with a historic thrashing of Brazil, their arch-rival. In a high-tension match, the albiceleste defeated the 'verdeamarela' with a resounding 4-1, motivated by Raphinha's statements that drew all the attention of the match despite his team's defeat.

Before the match, the '11' of FC Barcelona was interviewed by Romario. "We are going to play against Argentina. Now, thank God, without Messi. Are we going to thrash them?" asked 'O Baixinho', to which 'Rapha' responded emphatically: "A thrashing, without a doubt, both on and off the field if necessary".

These words fueled the Argentine players, who took it out on the Porto Alegre winger during the 90 minutes of the match, and even after it ended. The 'banter' escalated to such an extent that Lionel Messi, known for keeping a low profile and avoiding any conflict, threw a 'dart' at the Brazilian through a story on his Instagram account.

"Inside, outside, anywhere with this team. Always talking with football. Congratulations on the great match you played last night and also for the victory against Uruguay," said the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. The former Barça player could not participate in the matches against Uruguay and Brazil due to a strain in his left adductor suffered while playing for Inter Miami, so he watched the FIFA date from home.

Argentina 'settled the score' with Raphinha

Although the Argentine left-back, Nicolás Tagliafico, explained in the mixed zone that Raphinha "told us on the field that he was misquoted", some players from the albiceleste responded to the forward. The player had a strong clash during the match with Rodrigo De Paul, and right after the match ended, Leandro Paredes stood next to him to slap him in the face as he headed to the locker room.

This situation did not sit well with 'Rapha', who reacted by turning against him, leading to an exchange of words that was far from friendly. In fact, the Real Madrid player Endrick had to intervene, grabbing him and pulling him out of the mess. Julián Álvarez, for his part, acknowledged that the forward's statement "added its spice to a match like this. But we approached the game with humility and hard work to win the match."

Finally, Lionel Scaloni took it upon himself to cool down the problem at a press conference, stating that "I forgive him, I am sure he did not mean to hurt anyone. I understand the situation; it was not for that reason that we played like this, on the contrary. I know he didn't say it on purpose; it was to motivate his team. Perhaps some wanted a heated match, but not because of what he said; I forgive him and understand," thus putting an end to a drama that gave Raphinha one of his most complicated nights.