Holders Argentina will defend their World Cup title after dispatching a bullish Raphinha and Brazil in comprehensive style without skipper Lionel Messi. Argentina will head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending champions with an emphatic statement, dismantling Brazil and their boastful captain Raphinha in a commanding 4-1 victory. Even without their talismanic skipper Lionel Messi, the Albiceleste showed their depth and ruthlessness, silencing their South American rivals in a one-sided qualifier at the Estadio Mas Monumental. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports Before the match, FC Barcelona superstar Raphinha, leading Brazil in Neymar’s absence, didn’t hold back with his pre-game bravado. "We will beat Argentina, NO DOUBT. On and off the pitch," he declared. "I WILL SCORE A GOAL. We will F*CK THEM," he stated per Fabrizio Romano post. But Argentina, under Lionel Scaloni’s masterful guidance, turned those words into fuel for a blistering shut-up-and-talk-less performance that left Brazil reeling. The result elsewhere had already secured Argentina’s spot in the 2026 tournament, but that didn’t dampen their hunger. From the opening whistle, they tore into Brazil with relentless intent. Just four minutes in, Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock, firing home to set the tone. By the 12th minute, Enzo Fernandez doubled the lead, capitalizing on Brazil’s disorganised defence with a clinical finish. Brazil briefly flickered to life midway through the first half when a rare lapse from Cristian Romero gifted Matheus Cunha an opportunity. Cunha duly beat Emiliano Martinez with Brazil’s first and only shot on target, halving the deficit against the run of play. But Argentina’s response was swift and decisive. Alexis Mac Allister restored the two-goal cushion before halftime, lobbing a delicate volley from close range after a slick team move, leaving Brazil shell-shocked at 3-1. The second half offered no reprieve for the Selecao. Brazil’s lack of cohesion was punished again when substitute Giovanni Simeone, with his first touch just minutes after coming on, slotted home from a tight angle to make it 4-1. Raphinha, desperate to back up his pre-match trash talk, came closest to scoring with a second-half free-kick that rattled the woodwork, but it was a fleeting moment in an otherwise dismal showing. Brazil mustered just three shots all game, with a measly expected goals (xG) tally of 0.12, while Argentina’s dominance was reflected in their 1.78 xG. Without Messi, Argentina proved they remain a force to be reckoned with, blending flair, precision, and a ruthless edge. For Raphinha and Brazil, it was a humbling night, a reminder that bold words mean little without the performance to match.