Brazil vs Argentina: Fans Slam Rodrigo De Paul for Bold Admission Following His Side’s Win

• Brazil and Argentina faced off in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Maracana Stadium
• Argentine midfielder Rodrigo de Paul was at the thick of the action during the clash
• The Atletico Madrid star appears to have angered fans with his remarks after the game

Brazil hosted arch-rivals, Argentina in round six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series at the Maracana Stadium.

The fixture, notorious for its intensity and chaos, lived up to its reputation as tensions escalated right from the start. Despite both teams reciting their national anthems, fan violence erupted, leading to a delay of over half an hour.

Goal reported that stadium security and police managed to quell the crowd disturbance and fan violence.

However, the respite in the stands did not extend to the field, where - just three minutes into the already delayed match - the referee found himself intervening in brawls between players.

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According to Fotmob, the first half showcased a discouraging set of statistics: 48 minutes played, 22 fouls, one shot on target, and three yellow cards.

Despite the challenging atmosphere, Benfica defender Nicolas Otamendi broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a towering header from a Giovanni Lo Celso cross.

Unfortunately, this proved to be one of the few goal-mouth actions in a game dominated by fights between players.

After what could be described more as a football brawl than a match, midfielder Rodrigo de Paul further fueled the controversy with his post-match comments.

Rodrigo de Paul's post-match comments

Speaking to the media, he asserted, as quoted by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano:

"We are the best national team in the world. We speak on the field, we have the big [expletive]. I showed today once again that I’m leaving everything for this shirt. We made history."

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These remarks triggered a flurry of reactions on social media, with fans expressing sarcasm and criticism.

@wivlx sarcastically commented on De Paul's statement:

"We SpEaK oN tHe FieLd 😂😂😂"

@Keneknowsball seemed to troll him with the remark:

"Best National team in the world."

@NUFCJoey humorously added:

"Until Saudi Arabia knocks."

@senib01 reminded De Paul of a previous loss, stating:

"But Uruguay humbled you in your home."

@Sire__Gift criticised the perceived arrogance, writing:

"Best team winning with a corner? Go and rest, please. 😂😂😂😂😂"

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Messi's experiences at the Maracana

Sports Brief recently reported on Messi's best and worst moments at the iconic Maracana Stadium in fellow South American nation, Brazil.

The biggest heartbreak of his footballing career happened in this iconic venue, with Argentina losing to Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final.

Messi got redemption at the stadium seven years later when he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America title, beating Brazil 1-0 in the final.