Argentina and Brazil enjoy one of the fiercest rivalries in world football, and Argentinian reigning champions have sent out a message by winning 4-1 against their South American foes.
Julian Alvarez opened the scoring early, dodging two yellow shirts to touch Nahuel Molina’s cross past Bento and score in only four minutes. Eight minutes later Enzo Fernandez extended their advantage by turning home Nahuel Molina’s deflected cross and scoring his second goal of the match. Check out the full Argentina National Football Team vs Brazil National Football Team lineups to see how both teams are shaping up for this thrilling encounter.
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result | Score | Scorers (Argentina) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 25, 2025 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Estadio Más Monumental, Buenos Aires | Argentina won | 4–1 | Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Giuliano Simeone |
| Nov 22, 2023 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro | Argentina won | 1–0 | Nicolás Otamendi |
| Nov 16, 2021 | FIFA World Cup Qualifier | La Bombonera, Buenos Aires | Draw | 0–0 | N/A |
| Jul 11, 2021 | Copa América Final | Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro | Argentina won | 1–0 | Ángel Di María |
| Nov 14, 2019 | International Friendly | King Saud University Stadium, Riyadh | Argentina won | 1–0 | Lautaro Martínez |
Argentina
Argentina and Brazil currently lead their qualifying groups, but neither has secured its spot at the 2026 World Cup just yet. Lionel Scaloni led Argentina to an important win against Uruguay last week; now he must repeat it when his side meets Brazil in Estadio Mas Monumental Buenos Aires on March 6.
This match marks the 66th meeting between these arch-rivals, beginning back at early South American Championships and 1928 Olympic final.
Their heated rivalry dates back further during the 1970s when both nations vied for supremacy over South America; more recently however, their clash has taken on more of a friendly edge as both teams support other South American countries.
Even though both teams possess many talented players, it will be challenging for either of them to break through each other’s defensive systems. As a result, this matchup will likely be decided by small margins of victory or defeat.
Lionel Messi will be crucial to Argentina in Tuesday’s match. After coming off the bench against Chile to rest up, Messi will likely want to start against Brazil – getting an early goal will boost his confidence further.
Paulo Dybala could soon return to national team action as well, having missed last game against Ecuador due to an adductor strain injury that had bothered him for quite a while. Inter Milan forward should make an appearance against Colombia.
Scaloni will likely make other adjustments following Chile’s subpar performance; Leonardo Balerdi could replace Nahuel Molina at center-back while Gonzalo Montiel will switch positions with Gonzalo Montiel as right-back.
Nicolas Tagliafico may miss due to suspension after accruing five yellow cards; therefore either Facundo Medina or Valentin Barco could enter the lineup instead.
Inter Milan defender Lautaro Martinez will also miss out due to an ankle injury sustained against Colombia, so Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone could fill his shoes.
Additionally, Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr will miss out as well due to a thigh injury he received against Colombia; therefore this game will provide Tite Diniz with his toughest test so far – hoping Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus can lead them past Argentina.
Lineups & Predictions
As the two top teams from each group fight it out to decide who advances to the playoffs round, this match assumes great significance.
Argentina will be missing star striker Lionel Messi due to him reaching his yellow-card limit; goalkeeper Cristian Romero also serves his mandatory one-match suspension.
Lionel Scaloni made no major changes to his squad. Leonardo Balerdi could replace Romaro at centre-back while Nahuel Molina, Nicolas Otamendi and Nicolas Tagliafico should remain. Rodrigo de Paul, Leandro Paredes and Franco Mastantuono may receive opportunities in midfield. Salomon Rondon should continue scoring goals up front for Argentina.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad selection for Brazil has raised some eyebrows. As Real Madrid boss, Ancelotti decided not to call up former players Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Eder Militao; additionally Neymar will not make his comeback against Germany this game; therefore Lautaro Martinez will play an essential role in Brazil’s final third.
Ancelotti’s inclusion of Bayern Munich defender Luiz Henrique suggests an attacking formation. With Chelsea’s Joao Pedro out, Tottenham Hotspur winger Richarlison may lead the line alongside Everton striker Pedro Rodriguez and Inter Milan midfielder Fernandinho – inter Milan midfielder Fernandinho should play alongside Casemiro, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos as central defenders as well as Bruno Guimaraes and Gabriel Martinelli for complete defensive support.
Brazil should prove too strong for Bolivia’s defensive frailty in recent qualifiers. Thus, Brazil’s Selecao should easily break through resistance and seal another victory toward qualifying for the World Cup.
This rivalry has earned them the nickname of The Derby of the Americas and many consider it to be among the most thrilling and intense matches in international football.
With stakes so high, both sides will aim for an entertaining encounter at Estadio Nacional de Buenos Aires; both squads currently being in top form ensure this should be an epic encounter!
Brazil
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s match due to suspension, but Lionel Scaloni must still field an effective team despite this setback and hope that Argentina can improve on their disappointing showing against Venezuela in their previous outing.
Carlo Ancelotti may still be finding his feet as Brazil manager, but he made some key decisions for this matchup. First and foremost was opting to leave out former Real Madrid charges such as Rodrygo and Endrick from consideration, Manchester City defender Ederson from contention as well as Arsenal goalkeeper Gabriel and Brighton’s Joao Pedro are no longer considered viable players for Ancelotti’s selections.
However, some familiar names should start this match, including Marcelo, Casemiro, Paulinho and Thiago Silva – while it seems likely that Bayern Munich midfielder Philipp Lahm will return after faltering against Ecuador.
At the back, Xavier Arreaga should form an alliance with Piero Hincapie at centre-back while Joel Ordonez and Pervis Estupinan will serve as full-backs. In midfield, Barcelona’s Moises Caicedo could start alongside Willian Pacho and Gabriel; up front Enner Valencia and Kevin Rodriguez may connect with Gonzalo Plata.
Substitutes could include Leonardo Balerdi of Inter Milan to replace Cristian Romero who will serve his one-match suspension, and Tottenham Hotspur defender Nicolas Otamendi could make an appearance, provided he passes a fitness test after missing last game against Venezuela due to getting yellow carded.