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Argentina put on a dominant display against Brazil, securing a resounding 4-1 victory that could have easily been even more emphatic.

Given the pre-match tension sparked by Raphinha’s statements, it was inevitable that questions would arise about whether his words had fueled Argentina’s determination.

Julian Alvarez and Rodrigo De Paul, two of the standout performers on the night, did not hold back when asked about the significance of the victory and the added motivation they may have drawn from Raphinha’s comments.

Alvarez, who once again proved his worth with a clinical performance, made it clear just how special this win was.

“It was historic because of the context and everything that was said. We played a great game at home, in front of our fans, and secured qualification for the World Cup,” he stated.

On Raphinha’s remarks

Raphinha was involved in an altercation. (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

The discussion then turned to whether Raphinha’s pre-match remarks—where he had confidently claimed that Brazil would “beat the hell” out of Argentina—had played any role.

Alvarez acknowledged that such words add fuel to the fire but insisted that Argentina’s success came down to their professionalism and hunger for victory.

“Obviously, that way of speaking adds flavor to a match like this, but with humility and hard work, we gave them a run for their money,” he explained.

Rodrigo De Paul’s take on Raphinha’s comments

De Paul, known for his leadership and fierce commitment on the pitch, was directly asked about Raphinha’s comments, and he made sure to set the record straight.

“It’s okay. It stays there, on the pitch. We never disrespect anyone. And that’s despite the fact that we’ve been disrespected quite a bit over the years.

“We’ve been the best team of all time for five or six years. Let them respect us,” he concluded, sending a strong message about Argentina’s dominance in recent years.

Source: Mundo Deportivo