Argentina captain Lionel Messi has praised his teammates following their emphatic 4-1 victory over Brazil in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires.

Although Messi didn’t feature in the match, he expressed his delight at Argentina’s dominant display, which saw goals from Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone secure a resounding win over their biggest South American rivals.

Messi’s Message to His Teammates

Reacting to the victory, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner took to his Instagram story on Wednesday to congratulate his teammates.

"Inside, outside, wherever it may be with this National Team. Always SPEAKING through football," Messi wrote.

"Congratulations on the great match you played last night and also on the win against Uruguay."

His words reflect the strong winning mentality within the squad, reinforcing Argentina’s commitment to excellence even in his absence.

Argentina Marching Forward, Brazil Struggling

With this victory, Argentina remains at the top of the South American qualifying standings with 31 points from 14 matches, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Brazil finds itself in an unfamiliar struggle, sitting in fourth place with 21 points, raising concerns about their form.

Opinion: Argentina’s Dominance, Brazil’s Decline?

This match highlighted the growing gap between Argentina and Brazil in international football. Argentina’s ability to dominate even without Messi on the pitch speaks volumes about the depth and structure of the team built by Lionel Scaloni.

On the other hand, Brazil’s struggles continue to mount. The once-feared Seleção seem to lack cohesion, tactical discipline, and a clear attacking strategy. The absence of Neymar due to injury is noticeable, but even with a full-strength squad, Brazil appears to be in transition without a clear identity.

Messi’s comments reflect a team that speaks through action rather than words, a trait that has defined Argentina’s recent success. Brazil, meanwhile, must find their voice again if they hope to challenge for the 2026 World Cup.

Do you think Brazil can bounce back before the World Cup, or is Argentina set to dominate South American football for years to come? Let’s discuss!