Barcelona forward Raphinha made a shocking comment about Argentina while away on international duty with Brazil.
Raphinha, 28, is in the form of his career and will be in with a chance of winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, having registered 27 goals and 20 assists in 42 appearances for Barcelona this term.
However, he is currently away on international duty with Brazil and scored a penalty in the side’s 2-1 win against Colombia on Friday evening before Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior scored a last-gasp winner in Brasilia.
Advert
And Raphinha will be hoping to secure another three points when his side takes on Argentina in Buenos Aires on Wednesday 26 March.
The away side should expect a hostile atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental, especially after the 28-year-old’s recent comments about Argentina.
The former Leeds United man was speaking to Brazil icon and 1994 World Cup winner Romario when he made a rather outlandish comment about his South American counterparts ahead of their clash on Wednesday.
Advert
"We are going to play against Argentina, our biggest rival,” said Romario on ‘Romario TV’.
“Now, thank God, without Messi, are we going to beat them?"
“We will beat them, no doubt,” Raphinha replied.
“On and off the pitch, if we have to."
Advert
"Are you going to try to score a goal against Argentina?” Romario added.
"Yes, with everything," Raphinha answered.
But it was what was said next that has shocked fans and will, no doubt, have annoyed Argentina's players and fans.
Advert
"F*ck them?" Romario exclaimed.
"F*ck them," Raphinha repeated.
Brazil are currenlty third in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers table while Argentina are top after 13 matches - the top six will progress to the tournament and seventh will enter an intercontinental play-off.
Fans on social media had their say on Raphinha's chat with Romario.
Advert
One said: "Raphinha’s been cooking defenders all season and now he’s ready to cook Argentina.
"I hope his tone doesn't get the better of him during the match against Argentina."
Another added: "Raphinha feeling feisty before Argentina clash! In my academy days, this kind of pre-match tension either lifted performance levels or led to early showers."
A third explained: "They are the worst Brazilian team in last 50 years but very talkative. Let them know they're going to face the world champions and the two times Copa America champions."
Topics: Raphinha, Barcelona, Argentina, Brazil, Ballon d'Or, Lionel Messi
Luke Alfred Davies