On March 25, 2025, Brazil played Argentina in a World Cup qualifying game in Argentina. A couple of days before the match, Brazilian winger Raphinha came out with an interview with ex-Brazilian star Romario. In the interview, Romario asks Raphinha if Brazil is going to beat Argentina, and Raphinha proceeds to say, “Yes, we will beat them without a doubt.’’ On top of making the statement of beating Argentina, he starts to insult the Argentinian team.
Argentinians all over the world were heated by his statements. There was a lot of online fighting against Brazilians and Argentinians. Both countries were ready to give it their all when the game day came. Starting the game, Argentinian strikers, Julian Alvares and Enzo Fernandez, put Argentina in the lead in the first half, winning by 2-0; late in the game, Brazil’s Matheus Cunha scored. Alexis Mac Allister and Guliano Simone scored 4-1, inflicting Brazil’s heaviest qualifying loss. After the match, Brazil was silent. After making rude statements to the Argentinians, they took home the most significant loss in Brazil’s qualifying history.
