Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni addressed rumors of displaying the World Cup trophy against Brazil, firmly denying the possibility. Tensions have risen ahead of the CONMEBOL qualifiers, fueled by Raphinha’s comments and responses from former players. Scaloni confirmed the trophy will remain with the AFA until the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentina-Brazil rivalry in soccer is renowned for its intensity, and the upcoming CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match has ignited further controversy. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni recently responded to rumors about showcasing the 2022 World Cup trophy against Brazil, which circulated following comments made by Brazilian players, including Raphinha.
Reports indicated that the Argentina Football Association (AFA) was contemplating displaying the Qatar World Cup trophy as both teams entered the Monumental Stadium. However, during a pre-match press conference, Scaloni firmly stated, “There is no possibility of that happening tomorrow; they should have told us. No, absolutely not.”
Post-2022 World Cup, FIFA briefly allocated the original trophy to Argentina, but since then, a replica has remained with the AFA until the 2026 World Cup in North America. Scaloni emphasized that the trophy would remain with the AFA, effectively ending any rumors about its display during the match against Brazil.
Raphinha had expressed confidence in a pre-match interview, stating, “We’re going to give Argentina a beating, no doubt.” While most Argentine players refrained from directly addressing these remarks, retired player Angel Di Maria reacted humorously, posting laughing emojis in response to Raphinha’s statements on social media, a comment which quickly gained significant traction.
In conclusion, the Argentina-Brazil soccer rivalry is building momentum ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying match, with heightened tensions fueled by player comments. Coach Lionel Scaloni decisively quashed rumors regarding the display of the World Cup trophy, affirming it will not be exhibited during the match. Additionally, player interactions on social media reflect the ongoing competitive spirit and anticipation surrounding this storied rivalry.
Original Source: worldsoccertalk.com
