Argentina secured a dominant 4-1 win against rivals Brazil in the Superclasico de las Americas, even without their star player Lionel Messi, who was injured. Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez scored early goals within the first 12 minutes, giving Argentina a strong lead. This victory marks the first time any team has scored four goals against Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match. It`s also Argentina`s first time scoring four goals against Brazil in an official game since the 1959 Copa America.
Despite Messi`s absence due to injury, Argentina`s attacking prowess was evident. The midfield, led by Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, effectively penetrated Brazil`s defense, which struggled throughout the match. Brazil`s coach, Dorival Junior, has been working to improve the team`s balance, and while they showed promise with a 2-1 win over Colombia in a previous qualifier, it became clear that Argentina is currently a much stronger team.
The reigning World Cup champions, Argentina, carried their winning momentum from a 1-0 victory against Uruguay into this match. The game at the Monumental stadium was a celebration for the Argentine team and fans. Having already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and scoring early in the game, the atmosphere was joyous. The return of young talent Nico Paz to the national team further added to the celebratory mood. In contrast, Brazil will need to regroup and find consistency after this significant defeat.
No Messi, No Problem
Argentina showcased their team depth, overcoming the absence of both Messi and striker Lautaro Martinez, who also had to withdraw due to injury. Players like Alvarez and Fernandez celebrated their goals in honor of Martinez, highlighting the team spirit. Each of Argentina`s four goals was scored by a different player, emphasizing the collective effort. While some goals resulted from Brazil`s defensive errors, these errors were partly caused by Argentina`s fluid passing game, which even allowed defender Nicolas Tagliafico to contribute with an assist.
Argentina`s qualifying campaign has been notable for coach Scaloni`s integration of younger players like Thiago Almada and Nico Paz. This focus on developing the next generation is seen as beneficial for the team`s future.
Mac Allister scored Argentina`s third goal in the first half, and Giuliano Simeone added the fourth in the second half, demonstrating contributions from across the team.
Where do Brazil go from here?
Following their high from the Colombia victory, this loss will be a heavy blow for Brazil. Losing to Argentina and conceding four goals for the first time in World Cup qualifying is a setback for the Seleção. Despite substituting Michael Murillo with Leo Ortiz in defense at halftime, Brazil`s performance did not improve. Even with talented national team players who are performing well at their clubs, Brazil struggled to play effectively as a team. This lack of cohesion is a recurring issue for the national team and hinders their ability to compete against top teams like Argentina.
Despite possessing talented players like Raphinha and Vinicius Junior, Brazil`s path to the 2026 World Cup qualification and their chances of winning it are now in question. Significant improvements are needed. Matheus Cunha`s goal was a positive point, but more is required, including the return of injured key players like Neymar and Gabriel.
What`s next?
Argentina, having already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, will use the upcoming international breaks to experiment with different strategies. In June, they will travel to Chile and then host Colombia, in a rematch of the Copa America final. Brazil, currently fourth in World Cup qualifying, faces the risk of missing out on the World Cup if their poor form continues. In June, Brazil will play against Ecuador and Paraguay, matches that could be more challenging than they initially appear.
