On March 25, 2025, Argentina made headlines by defeating Brazil 4-1 at the Monumental de Nuñez in Buenos Aires during the World Cup qualifiers for the 2026 tournament. The victory was a cause for celebration, particularly for Argentine President Javier Milei, who took to social media to express his joy and gratitude.
Milei tweeted in Portuguese, saying, "Alegria não tem fim. Muito obrigado @Argentina por esta noite de tantas alegrias…!!!" which translates to "Joy has no end. Thank you very much @Argentina for this night of so much joy...!!!" This was not merely a display of national pride but also an ironic nod to the famous Brazilian song by Tom Jobim, "A felicidade." The tweet captured the excitement of fans across Argentina following a crucial win against their longstanding rivals.
The match itself was a thrilling demonstration of Argentine football prowess. Julián Alvarez, Enzo Fernández, and McAllister all found the net, contributing to a commanding performance. Matheus Cunha scored the lone goal for Brazil, which came too late to shift the momentum of the match. Argentina dominated the play, and the scoreboard reflected their superiority, with two goals scored within the first twelve minutes. By halftime, the score was already 3-1, making it clear that Argentina was firmly in control.
In a follow-up to his joyful messages, Milei later shared a meme featuring Brazilian musician Roberto Carlos, humorously reflecting on the match's outcome. The posting was strategically positioned not only as a celebration but also as a critique of Brazil's performance and a subtle jab at their footballing reputation.
Despite the cheerful mood on social media, the relationship between the Argentine and Brazilian governments remains strained. Since taking office in 2024, President Milei has had minimal direct communication with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Their national strategies have diverged significantly, especially regarding economic and human rights policies within Mercosul. Historically, Brazil and Argentina have collaborated closely on commercial matters, but recent developments have led to noticeable tension, particularly as Argentina avoids addressing human rights issues within the bloc.
In an earlier statement, Milei remarked in an interview with Radio Mitre, "Foi um baile mórbido. Imagine se o Messi estivesse lá," meaning "It was a morbid dance. Imagine if Messi had been there." This comment underscored the dominance of the Argentine team despite the absence of its superstar, Lionel Messi, who was sidelined due to a muscle injury. The victory marks a significant milestone for Argentina, reinforcing their status as the reigning World Cup champions and securing their qualification for the upcoming tournament set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
As Argentina looks ahead to the World Cup, Brazil finds itself in a precarious fourth place in the qualifiers, stirring concern among fans and officials alike. While the jubilant scenes erupting from Argentina celebrate football, they also illustrate the backdrop of rising tensions in political relations between these neighboring countries.
In summary, Milei's jubilant response to the match is a reflection of national pride and also reveals the complex layers of contemporary Argentine and Brazilian politics. His use of social media to commemorate this sporting success is indicative of the broader cultural and political narrative that continues to unfold between the two nations.
