Julian Alvarez Argentina 2025Getty

Argentina player ratings vs Brazil: Who needs Lionel Messi?! Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez star as Albiceleste humiliate Selecao after securing 2026 World Cup spot

Julian Alvarez led the line with aplomb with Enzo Fernandez pulling the strings in midfield as Argentina recorded a stunning 4-1 win over Brazil on Tuesday night to celebrate qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in style.

Bolivia's draw with Uruguay had already guaranteed the Albiceleste a spot at next summer's tournament in North America but the defending champions were nonetheless intent on making a statement.

Despite being shorn of the services of the injured Lionel Messi, Argentina ran riot in Buenos Aires, scoring after just four minutes through Alvarez, who finished emphatically after taking advantage of a couple of ricochets. The hosts made it 2-0 less than 10 minutes later, with Fernandez arriving at the back post to turn home Nahuel Molina's cross.

Matheus Cunha, after barely having a sniff through the first 25 minutes, pulled a goal back with a decent strike from distance following a loose pass from Cristiano Romero but there was no containing Argentina, who replied through Alexis Mac Allister, with the Liverpool midfielder getting on the end of a wonderful lofted pass from Enzo.

The Selecao switched things up by bringing on three players at the break, but it made no difference. Argentina exercised complete control throughout the second half and fully deserved their fourth goal, which arrived when substitute Giuliano Simeone leathered the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

GOAL rates Argentina's players on a memorable night at the Estadio Monumental...

  • Nahuel Molina Argentina 2024-25Getty

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Emiliano Martinez (7/10):

    Certainly surprised by how early Cunha struck Brazil's goal. Pretty much nothing to do otherwise and decided to entertain himself by engaging a bit of keepie-uppie in the second half.

    Nahuel Molina (7/10):

    Handed the unenviable task of marking Vinicius Junior but he embraced it wholeheartedly. Also played the cross that led to Argentina's second.

    Christian Romero (6/10):

    Completely at fault for Cunha's goal but settled in thereafter, and offered a valuable extra body to mark Vinicius.

    Nicolas Otamendi (7/10):

    Flew into tackles, won his one-on-ones, and commanded space well. A proper captain's performance.

    Nico Tagliofico (7/10):

    Not much of the Brazil attack came down his side, but he dealt well with everything that did come his way. Also grabbed an assist.

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  • Rodrigo De Paul Argentina 2025Getty

    Midfield

    Leandro Paredes (7/10):

    The metronome at the base of midfield. Kept play ticking from deep and helped relieve pressure with some clever passing.

    Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

    Did all of the scrappy stuff, showed some valuable composure on the ball, and then scored a lovely goal.

    Rodrigo De Paul (7/10):

    Unsurprisingly relished the battle on the big stage. Effective on the ball, flew into tackles, and got stuck in. Dirty work personified.

    Thiago Almada (6/10):

    Couldn't replicate his moment of magic from the win over Uruguay but was full of energy always looking to get involved.

  • Julian Alvarez Argentina 2025Getty

    Attack

    Enzo Fernandez (8/10):

    Scored one, assisted another, then seemed to spend the next hour or so trying to get himself sent off. Relieved pressure plenty of times with his hold-up play.

    Julian Alvarez (8/10):

    Took his goal well, and spent all evening stretching the Brazil defence. A real handful in attack.

  • Lionel Scaloni Argentina 2025Getty

    Subs & Manager

    Giuliano Simeone (7/10):

    Scored the goal that sealed it just two minutes after coming on.

    Facundo Medina (N/A):

    Subbed on for Tagliafico with less than 15 minutes to go.

    Nico Paz (N/A):

    No time to make an impact after replacing Mac Allister in the 75th minute.

    Exequiel Palacios (N/A):

    Came on for Paredes for the last 10 minutes.

    Angel Correa (N/A):

    Almost scored a fifth late on after taking over up top from Alvarez.

    Lionel Scaloni (8/10):

    Went unchanged from the side that beat Uruguay, and was vindicated in doing so. Argentina were excellent throughout, as Scaloni got his subs spot on. A successful World Cup defence is a distinct possibility. After all, if they can batter Brazil without Messi, who's going to stop them?!