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Brazilian star Raphinha has issued a warning to Argentina ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.
The Barcelona forward vowed to score against Argentina, who will be without their captain, Lionel Messi.
According to him, Brazil will defeat Argentina both on and off the pitch if necessary.
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Raphinha made this statement while speaking with Seleção legend Romário ahead of the clash at the Estadio Mâs Monumental.
“We are going to play against Argentina, our biggest rivals. Now, thank God, without Messi—are we going to beat them?” Romário asked.
“We will beat them, no doubt. On and off the pitch, if we have to,” Raphinha declared.
“Are you going to try to score against Argentina?” Romário pressed further.
“Yes, with everything,” Raphinha replied.
The winger has been in impressive form during the qualifiers, scoring five goals and providing two assists in nine matches for Brazil.
Brazil, currently in third place, trail Argentina—who sit at the top of the qualifying table—by seven points.
The head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has named his first ever starting XI in charge of the team.
Nigeria will take on Rwanda in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Kigali on Friday evening.
Chelle has picked the quartet of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses and Samuel Chukwueze.
In midfield, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi start, while Stanley Nwabali is the preferred goalkeeper.
The defence is made up of Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey and captain William Troost-Ekong.
Kick off is 5pm WAT.
Eric Chelle’s first starting 11;
Nwabali; Aina, Ekong, Bassey, Osayi; Ndidi, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen.
