In a heated CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil, the match was already charged with controversial pre-game statements. Argentina was leading 3-1 when a fiery exchange saw Brazil’s Rodrygo provoke Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, who responded with a claim of his World Cup triumph.
The altercation began in the 39th minute when Nicolás Tagliafico tackled Raphinha, leading to a strong push from the Brazilian winger. This sparked a reaction from both teams, resulting in yellow cards for the two players involved.
However, the tension escalated when the cameras caught Rodrygo and Paredes facing off. The Real Madrid forward taunted Paredes, saying, “You are very bad.” The Argentina midfielder didn’t back down, replying, “I have one World Cup and two Copa Américas, you have zero.”
Paredes and the Argentina players’ reaction comes after the several statements made prior the beginning of the game. The most impactful comment was from Raphinha, who on talks with Romario TV, made a strong message: “We’re going to give Argentina a beating, no doubt.”
The only one that addressed publicly the statements was coach Lionel Scaloni, who made a more pacifist approach. “It’s an Argentina-Brazil match, it’s always an important game, but it’s still just a soccer match. I remember the image after the 2021 Copa America final of Leo sitting with Neymar on the steps of Maracana, and that is the image that should stay with all of us,” Argentina boss stated in press conference.
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