Emi Martinez and Argentina stars repeat infamous Kylian Mbappe chant to mock Raphinha
Barcelona winger Raphinha had vowed to score for Brazil against Argentina and 'beat them up' during Tuesday's World Cup qualifier which they eventually lost 4-1
Argentina's players have been filmed mocking Raphinha with the same infamous chant used against Kylian Mbappe after the 2022 World Cup final. Barcelona star Raphinha was left humbled after publicly predicting that he'd score against Argentina when Brazil faced them in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
The former Leeds winger also vowed to 'beat them up if necessary'. Not only did Raphinha, 28, fail to score but Brazil were on the end of a 4-1 hammering in Buenos Aires.
Multiple players including goalscorer Julian Alvarez and midfielder Leandro Paredes - who clashed with another Brazil forward - spoke to the media post-match about Raphinha's comments and called out his over-confidence. But the Argentina squad also mocked Raphinha in a different way.
In front of the jubilant home fans, who were also celebrating their nation's qualification to the World Cup which was confirmed ahead of kick-off, the players sang: "A minute of silence... Shhh... For Raphinha, who is dead!"
That's a change of lyrics from what was sung about Mbappe in Qatar after Argentina beat France on penalties to win their first World Cup since 1986. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was among those jumping around and chanting about Raphinha, who he'd ran into shortly after the final whistle.
Also involved were Tottenham defender Cristian Romero and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. During the match, Argentina's fans were also heard chanting: "Sub in Raphinha, you son of a b****," despite the 28-year-old playing the entire 90 minutes.
Although supporters were keen to rub salt in Raphinha's wounds, manager Lionel Scaloni was cordial about the situation. "I excuse Raphinha because I know he didn't do it on purpose," Scaloni said. "He's defending his country and I'm sure he didn't want to offend anyone. Brazil will always be Brazil, it's a difficult time for them but they will return."
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Raphinha's ill-judged comments will go down in Argentine football folklore, having told Brazilian legend Romario on his TV show ahead of the match: "We are going to beat them up on and off the pitch if necessary. I am going to score. They can s*** themselves!" He added: "In Argentina, you have to hit them, it hurts! They're b*******."
In another blow for the forward, he's been ruled out of Barcelona's clash with Osasuna on Thursday. The match - which was postponed earlier this month after Barca's team doctor, Carles Minarro Garcia, died suddenly in the hours before kick-off - has been hastily rescheduled and comes too soon for Raphinha, whose private jet is only due to land in the city at around 6pm on Wednesday.
"Raphinha and Araujo will not be in the squad tomorrow," Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed. "They have a long flight and they have to recover."
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