Watch: Tensions flare as Barcelona forward and Otamendi engage in war of words | OneFootball

The Argentina vs Brazil match was nothing short of a spectacle, packed with tension, drama, and a sense of unfinished business between the players.

The encounter was highly anticipated, but what made it even more intense was the war of words in the build-up to the clash.

Barcelona winger Raphinha set the tone before kick-off with bold remarks directed at the Brazilian football legend Romario. The winger assured him that Brazil would “beat the hell out of” Argentina without a doubt.

His explosive statement quickly went viral, reaching the ears of the Argentine squad, who were determined to use it as motivation, especially with their home crowd fully behind them.

Otamendi sparked the fire

One of the first to respond was veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, who took to social media to subtly stoke the flames of the rivalry.

He posted an image of two crossed swords, a symbolic reference that ignited further reactions from fans and players alike.

The comments were flooded with reminders of a previous Argentina-Brazil clash, where Otamendi had elbowed Raphinha, causing the Barça winger to bleed—a moment still fresh in the memories of many.

The incident with Raphinha

The tension on the pitch soon boiled over. During the match, Nicolas Tagliafico clattered into Raphinha in the middle of the field with a rough challenge, immediately provoking a reaction.

The Barcelona winger wasted no time in getting back on his feet and shoving the Argentine defender, which quickly escalated into a heated altercation.

Players from both teams rushed in, leading to a full-blown brawl with several key figures getting involved.

Among those in the thick of it were Rodrigo De Paul and Matheus Cunha, who were heard taunting Raphinha, dismissing the confrontation as mere theatrics.

Otamendi’s response

However, Otamendi took a more personal approach. Seizing the moment, he reminded Raphinha of his pre-match remarks, urging him to “talk less, talk less.”

There could still be lingering resentment from Barcelona’s triumph over Benfica in the Champions League, where Raphinha had played a crucial role.

This clash was not just another international fixture—it was a fierce battle of pride, revenge, and fiery emotions that only added another chapter to the historic rivalry between Argentina and Brazil.