'He should have seen Lionel Messi' - Ex-Brazil star slams 'very bad' Raphinha for 'disrespecting' Argentina with ‘f*ck them’ quip ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifier

Two old adversaries are set to lock horns in 2026 World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. The current holders of a global crown will be without eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi for that contest, as the Inter Miami talisman was forced to withdraw through injury.

Raphinha has stated that Messi’s absence gives Brazil more of a chance in a crucial contest, with the 2025 Golden Ball contender saying that he will be giving “everything” to score against arch-rivals. He signed off a conversation with Romario with a “f*ck them” quip as the Selecao ready themselves for battle.

The 28-year-old is understandably fired up for another grudge match, but has been told that he needs to think carefully about what he says in public. Ex-Brazil international Paulo Silas has told Radio La Red when asked for his take on Raphinha’s comments: “It was disrespectful of that kid. He should have seen Messi here when he won the Copa America and didn't let his team-mates sing against Brazil because of the friendship he has with Neymar and the respect.”

Silas, who won 34 caps for his country and represented them at the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, added: “Raphinha was very bad. Brazil should not do it if they were above Argentina and now that they are not either. Football does not look the way he said it. I don't know what message he wanted to pass, but you don't win before you play a game.”

Brazil are currently sat third in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification table, seven points adrift of leaders Argentina. They will be without their own enigmatic leader on Tuesday, with all-time leading goalscorer Neymar also being ruled out with a knock.