Argentina players hit back at Raphinha: ‘Shouldn’t talk when you can’t back it up on field’

Joao Gomes walks off after Brazil’s loss to Argentina in a World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. (AP Photo)

One of Argentina’s goal-scorers on the night, Julián Álvarez, did not pass on the chance to hit back at Raphinha, saying: “I just think with humility and hard work, we played a great game and gave them a lesson. Maybe with Leo Messi on the pitch we might have scored 2 or 3 more goals.”

His teammate Rodrigo de Paul added: “We have never disrespected anyone beforehand. Over all these years, we have been disrespected quite a lot. No one helped us. We achieved everything on our own. And we keep proving it. We’ve been the best national team in the last six years.”

Leo Paredes was also scathing in his comments, taking an obvious dig at Raphinha when he said: “You shouldn’t talk beforehand… especially when you can’t back it up on the field afterward. We always do our talking on the field.”

Only Argentina coach Scaloni showed some mercy to Raphinha, saying, “I forgive Raphinha… because I know he didn’t do it on purpose, he’s defending his country. I’m completely sure he didn’t mean to hurt anyone. We didn’t play like this because of that.”