Argentina National Football Team Vs Brazil National Football Team Lineups

The historic rivalry between Argentina and Brazil, often referred to as the “Superclásico de las Américas,” represents one of football’s most storied international conflicts.

While this latest chapter in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying was initially billed as a showdown between superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar, both iconic players were ultimately sidelined with injuries.

Nevertheless, this heated clash between South America’s footballing giants remained full of intensity and significance in the race for World Cup 2026 qualification.

In this article, we’ll examine the confirmed lineups, analyze key team news, break down the tactical approaches of both sides, and review how the match ultimately unfolded on the pitch.

Argentina National Football Team Vs Brazil National Football Team Lineups

Match Overview of Argentina National Football Team Vs Brazil National Football Team Lineups

The CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying match took place on March 25, 2025, with Argentina hosting Brazil in Buenos Aires.

Heading into this crucial fixture, the reigning world champions Argentina led the standings by six points over second-place Ecuador, with Brazil lurking in third place just one point behind Ecuador.

Despite having struggled through parts of the qualifying campaign, Brazil entered the match having secured a gutsy 2-1 comeback victory against Colombia, while Argentina was coming off a hard-fought 1-0 win over Uruguay.

Team News on Argentina National Football Team Vs Brazil National Football Team

Argentina

The Argentine squad faced several significant absences for this crucial qualifier:

• Lionel Messi withdrew from the squad due to an adductor injury, a major blow for the world champions
• Lautaro Martínez was unavailable due to a muscle injury, removing another key attacking option
• Nico González was suspended after receiving a red card in the previous match against Uruguay for a high challenge

Despite these absences, coach Lionel Scaloni had sufficient depth to field a strong starting lineup, with Thiago Almada continuing in attack after scoring the decisive goal against Uruguay. The return of Rodrigo De Paul to the midfield indicated a shift to a 4-4-2 formation.

Brazil

Brazil’s squad faced even more significant challenges with multiple absences:

• Neymar was unavailable due to a hamstring issue, continuing his extended period away from the national team
• Goalkeeping crisis with first-choice Alisson out with a concussion and backup Ederson sidelined with abdominal problems
• Center-back Gabriel and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes both suspended due to yellow card accumulation
• Long-term injuries to Bremer, Militao, and Gabriel Jesus (all ACL injuries)

These absences forced significant reshuffling, with third-choice goalkeeper Bento making a start and Murillo earning his first international cap at center-back.

Confirmed Argentina National Football Team Vs Brazil National Football Team Lineups

Argentina lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with De Paul’s return to the midfield, while Brazil opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup with Rodrygo deployed as the central forward and Cunha in support.

Match Result and Analysis

The match resulted in a convincing 4-1 victory for Argentina, with the home side dominating from the opening minutes. Here’s how the goals unfolded:

• 4′: Julián Álvarez opened the scoring early, setting the tone for Argentina’s dominant performance
• 12′: Enzo Fernández doubled the lead with a goal that stunned the Brazilian defense
• 26′: Matheus Cunha pulled one back for Brazil, briefly giving the visitors hope
• 37′: Alexis Mac Allister restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage before halftime
• 71′: Substitute Giuliano Simeone capped off the scoring with Argentina’s fourth goal

Brazil’s coach responded to the first-half struggles with three substitutions at halftime, bringing on Leo Ortiz, João Gomes, and young star Endrick. However, these changes failed to shift momentum as Argentina maintained control throughout the second half.

Key Match Statistics

The statistics tell the story of Argentina’s dominance:

• Possession: Argentina 56% | Brazil 44%
• Total Shots: Argentina 12 | Brazil 3
• Shots on Target: Argentina 7 | Brazil 1
• Passes: Argentina 527 | Brazil 425
• Corners: Argentina 6 | Brazil 0

Particularly striking was Brazil’s inability to generate meaningful attacks, managing just one shot on target and failing to earn a single corner throughout the entire match. The disciplinary record was even, with each team receiving five yellow cards in what was a physical encounter.

Tactical Insights

Argentina’s tactical approach under Scaloni proved superior, with their 4-4-2 formation allowing them to control the midfield through the excellent work of Paredes, De Paul, Fernández, and Mac Allister.

Even without Messi, Argentina’s attack functioned cohesively, with Julián Álvarez leading the line effectively.

Brazil’s experimental lineup struggled to find cohesion, particularly in defense, where first-time international Murillo was paired with Marquinhos.

The three halftime substitutions highlighted the tactical issues that needed addressing, but the changes came too late to influence the outcome.

Substitutions

Argentina

• Giuliano Simeone replaced Thiago Almada (68′)
• Nicolás Paz replaced Alexis Mac Allister (76′)
• Facundo Medina replaced Nicolás Tagliafico (76′)
• Exequiel Palacios replaced Leandro Paredes (82′)
• Ángel Correa replaced Julián Álvarez (82′)

Brazil

• Leo Ortiz replaced Murillo (46′)
• João Gomes replaced Joelinton (46′)
• Endrick replaced Rodrygo (46′)
• Savinho replaced Matheus Cunha (69′)
• Ederson replaced André (84′)

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Conclusion:

This commanding 4-1 victory further strengthens Argentina’s position atop the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings while raising serious questions about Brazil’s form despite their recent resurgence.

Without their talisman Messi, Argentina demonstrated impressive depth and tactical cohesion, while Brazil’s multiple absences exposed significant weaknesses in their squad.

The rivalry between these South American giants remains as intense as ever, but on this occasion, Argentina clearly established their superiority on the continental stage as they continue their journey toward World Cup 2026.