Argentina showcased a stunning performance against Brazil, defeating their arch-rivals 4-1 in a crucial World Cup qualifying match on March 26, 2025. This victory not only solidified Argentina's dominance in South American football but also secured their spot in the upcoming World Cup 2026, thanks to Bolivia's 0-0 draw with Uruguay earlier in the day.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere as fans filled the stadium, eager to witness the latest chapter in this historic rivalry. Just four minutes into the game, Julian Alvarez opened the scoring for Argentina, capitalizing on a defensive mistake by Brazil's debutant defender, Murillo. Alvarez received a perfectly timed pass from Thiago Almada, darted past Murillo, and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Bento, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Argentina's early lead was quickly doubled in the 13th minute when Enzo Fernandez scored after another defensive lapse from Murillo. The Brazilian defender failed to clear a cross from Nahuel Molina, allowing Fernandez to pounce on the loose ball and finish from close range. By the 37th minute, Argentina had extended their lead to 3-1, with Alexis Mac Allister finding the net following a brilliant assist from Enzo Fernandez, who threaded a perfectly weighted pass through Brazil's defense.
Despite trailing, Brazil managed to pull one back in the 27th minute when Matheus Cunha capitalized on a rare mistake from Argentina's Christian Romero, who lost possession in a dangerous area. Cunha seized the opportunity, firing a shot that beat Emiliano Martinez and gave Brazil a glimmer of hope.
As the second half commenced, Brazil made tactical changes, substituting Murillo after a poor performance. However, the changes did little to improve their fortunes. Argentina continued to control the match, and in the 71st minute, Guilano Simeone scored the fourth goal for Argentina with a powerful shot that struck the underside of the crossbar before bouncing into the net.
Throughout the match, Argentina dominated possession, registering an expected goals (xG) of 1.30 compared to Brazil's mere 0.05 in the first half. Brazil struggled to create meaningful chances, and their only notable effort came from Raphinha, whose free-kick hit the crossbar.
After the match, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and their qualification for the World Cup. "We played very well today, and the players executed our game plan perfectly. It's a great feeling to secure our spot in the World Cup so early in the qualifying process," he said.
However, Scaloni also addressed the ongoing concerns surrounding Lionel Messi's potential participation in the 2026 World Cup. The legendary forward, currently 37, has been sidelined with injuries, missing four games in the past year and two matches in March 2025. Scaloni stated, "I don't want to think about whether Messi will play in the World Cup. It's up to him to decide, and we need to give him the space to make that choice without any pressure."
Messi's fitness has been a topic of discussion, especially as he has only managed to complete 90 minutes in three matches since the start of the 2025 MLS season, and he missed three consecutive games in early March due to fitness issues. His club, Inter Miami, is set to face Philadelphia Union on March 29, 2025, a match that could mark his return to competitive play.
As Argentina celebrates their impressive victory and the prospect of competing on the world stage once again, the focus will also be on Messi's recovery and whether he can contribute to the national team in the coming months. Argentina currently leads the South American qualifying standings with 31 points, while Brazil sits in fourth place with 21 points, following a disappointing performance against their rivals.
In another match on the same day, Colombia and Paraguay played to a 2-2 draw, further complicating Brazil's path to qualification. With only four matches remaining in the qualifying rounds, Brazil will need to regroup quickly to secure their place in the World Cup.
As the football world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on Argentina as they aim to defend their title and continue their rich footballing tradition. The victory over Brazil not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a reminder of their strength and determination on the pitch.
