Former Brazil star slams Raphinha for disrespecting Argentina team

The Selecao and Argentina will face each other in a World Cup qualifier match.

A former Brazil player has questioned Raphinha’s “very bad” behaviour, accusing the Barcelona attacker of “disrespecting” Argentina.

Tonight, two longstanding rivals will square off in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group stage match. Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, was forced to withdraw due to injury, therefore, the current world champions will not have him for that match.

Messi’s absence, according to Raphinha, gives Brazil a better opportunity in a pivotal match. The 2025 Golden Ball candidate said he would be doing “everything” to score against bitter rivals. He used the adage “f*ck them” to end a talk with Romario as the Selecao prepared for combat.

Although the 28-year-old is naturally eager for the match, he has been advised to exercise caution when speaking in public. When asked what he thought of Raphinha’s remarks, former Brazil international Paulo Silas told Radio La Red:

“It was disrespectful of that kid. He should have seen Messi here when he won the Copa America and didn’t let his team-mates sing against Brazil because of the friendship he has with Neymar and the respect.”

Silas, who played in the World Cup finals in 1986 and 1990 and earned 34 caps for his nation, continued: “Raphinha was very bad. Brazil should not do it if they were above Argentina and now that they are not either. Football does not look the way he said it. I don’t know what message he wanted to pass, but you don’t win before you play a game.”

Brazil are now seven points behind leaders Argentina in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, sitting in third place. They will be without their own brilliant leader tonight, as Neymar, the all-time top scorer, is also sidelined due to an injury.

Meanwhile, Raphina is enjoying the most terrific season of his career at Barcelona and currently boasts 50 G/A and is also one of the favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. The forward will be motivated to lead the Selecao to a win tonight.

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