Lionel Messi might be FC Barcelona's biggest icon but seems like Raphinha is in no mood for cordiality. The Brazilian, who is the La Liga leaders' most successful winger this season (since Robert Lewandowski operates as a CF), is highly unlikely to think about Messi when the two Latin American giants face off in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Wednesday.
Raphinha made his intentions clear during a conversation with Brazil great Romario who also used to play for Barcelona. The upcoming fixture with Argentina came up during their chat and Romario said he was pleased that Messi was unavailable for the match. Romario then asked the 28-year-old Raphinha whether he was confident of emerging victorious against the arch-rivals. "We will beat them, no doubt. On and off the pitch, if we have to," came the response!
Romario, seemingly energised by the way Raphinha was playing it, pressed again, asking whether he was going to enter the scoresheet at Buenos Aires. "Are you going to try to score a goal against Argentina?" he asked. The former Leeds attacker replied confidently, "Yes, with everything."
Romario, a known partyboy during his Catalan days then asked, "F\*\*k them?" Raphinha did't hesitate to answer, "F\*\*k them."
**Brazil vs Argentina on March 26**
A muscle injury has ruled Leo Messi out of the international games. It was veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi who captained Argentina during their 1-0 victory over Uruguay on March 21, 2025. Argentina lead the South American qualifiers with 28 points while Brazil is third with 21 behind Ecuador, who have 22.
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