Argentina Player Ratings vs Brazil: Alvarez and Fernandez Shine against Brazil 4-1 Without Magic Messi

Argentina player ratings vs Brazil, In a thrilling World Cup qualifier at the Estadio Monumental, Argentina delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Brazil, proving their dominance even without Lionel Messi. Having already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup thanks to Bolivia’s draw with Uruguay, the Albiceleste could have coasted.

Instead, they chose to send a message to their rivals and the football world. Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez were the stars of the show, leading Lionel Scaloni’s side to a memorable triumph in Buenos Aires. For fans searching for Argentina player ratings vs Brazil, this match offered a masterclass in teamwork and individual brilliance. Here, we dive into the player ratings, recap the game, and explore its implications for both teams.

Argentina Player Ratings vs Brazil: Alvarez and Fernandez Shine as Albiceleste Thrash Selecao 4-1 Without Messi

The Argentina-Brazil rivalry is one of football’s fiercest, and this World Cup qualification CONMEBOL clash was no exception. Argentina, already qualified, faced a Brazil side desperate to solidify their standing in the CONMEBOL table. Despite Messi’s absence due to an adductor injury, the defending champions showed no signs of weakness. From the opening whistle, Argentina’s intensity overwhelmed Brazil, with Alvarez and Fernandez pulling the strings in attack and midfield. The 4-1 scoreline was a testament to their depth and tactical prowess, making this a night to remember for the Albiceleste faithful.

Match Summary: Argentina’s Dominant Display

The game burst into life early. Just four minutes in, Julian Alvarez pounced on a loose ball after a series of ricochets, firing home to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. Less than ten minutes later, Nahuel Molina’s precise cross found Enzo Fernandez unmarked at the back post, and the midfielder slotted it past Bento to make it 2-0. Brazil struggled to respond, but Matheus Cunha capitalized on a Cristian Romero mistake in the 25th minute, unleashing a long-range strike to pull one back.

Argentina, however, were unrelenting. In the 37th minute, Fernandez turned provider, delivering a lofted pass that Alexis Mac Allister volleyed into the net with finesse. The second half saw Argentina in complete control, and substitute Giuliano Simeone sealed the rout in the 71st minute, hammering the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle. For those analyzing Argentina player ratings vs Brazil, this was a performance defined by clinical finishing and relentless pressure.

Argentina Player Ratings vs Brazil: Who Stood Out?

Here’s how Argentina’s players performed in their emphatic win over Brazil, rated out of 10 based on their contributions.

Goalkeeper & Defense

• Emiliano Martinez (7/10)
  Caught off guard by Cunha’s early strike, Martinez otherwise had a quiet night. His second-half keepie-uppies entertained the crowd, reflecting Argentina’s dominance.
• Nahuel Molina (7/10)
  Tasked with containing Vinicius Junior, Molina excelled defensively and contributed offensively with a key assist for Fernandez’s goal.
• Cristian Romero (6/10)
  A loose pass gifted Cunha Brazil’s goal, but Romero recovered well, helping to neutralize Vinicius and maintain defensive solidity.
• Nicolas Otamendi (7/10)
  Otamendi was a commanding presence, winning duels and organizing the backline with a captain’s authority.
• Nicolas Tagliafico (7/10)
  Tagliafico handled Brazil’s minimal threats down his flank and added an assist for Simeone’s goal, capping a strong display.

Midfield

• Leandro Paredes (7/10)
  The midfield anchor, Paredes distributed calmly under pressure and disrupted Brazil’s rhythm with smart positioning.
• Alexis Mac Allister (8/10)
  Mac Allister combined grit with grace, winning tackles and scoring a beautifully taken goal from Fernandez’s assist.
• Rodrigo De Paul (7/10)
  De Paul relished the physical battle, pressing tirelessly and linking play with his trademark tenacity.
• Thiago Almada (6/10)
  Unable to replicate his Uruguay heroics, Almada still brought energy, constantly probing Brazil’s defense.

Attack

• Enzo Fernandez (8/10)
  Fernandez was immense, scoring once and assisting Mac Allister with a sublime pass. His hold-up play and ball-winning were pivotal, despite a yellow card.
• Julian Alvarez (8/10)
  Alvarez led the line brilliantly, stretching Brazil’s defense and finishing clinically. His movement created space for teammates all night.

Substitutes & Manager

• Giuliano Simeone (7/10)
  Simeone made an instant impact off the bench, scoring with a thunderous strike to underline Argentina’s depth.
• Lionel Scaloni (8/10)
  Scaloni’s tactical setup—high pressing and fluid attacking play—outclassed Brazil, with his substitutions keeping the momentum alive.

Key Performances: Alvarez and Fernandez Take Center Stage

Julian Alvarez: Stepping Up Without Messi

Argentina without Messi, Alvarez proved he’s more than capable of leading Argentina’s attack. His early goal showcased his poacher’s instinct, but his relentless movement and pressing were equally impressive. Stretching Brazil’s backline, he created opportunities for others, cementing his status as a rising star. For those searching Julian Alvarez performance vs Brazil, this was a defining moment.

Enzo Fernandez: The Midfield Engine

Fernandez was the heartbeat of Argentina’s midfield. His goal demonstrated his knack for arriving in the box, while his assist for Mac Allister—a perfectly lofted pass—highlighted his vision. Despite a booking, his tenacity and ability to transition play were crucial. Fans looking for Enzo Fernandez stats against Brazil will note his all-around brilliance.

Tactical Breakdown: Scaloni’s Masterplan

Scaloni opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Paredes sitting deep to allow Mac Allister and De Paul to push forward. This setup enabled Argentina to dominate possession and create overloads on the flanks through Molina and Tagliafico. Their high press forced Brazil into errors, while quick transitions capitalized on the Selecao’s disarray. Brazil’s attempts to play through Vinicius Junior faltered against Argentina’s disciplined defense, leaving Dorival Junior’s side outmatched.

Conclusion Argentina without Messi

This 4-1 victory underscored Argentina’s strength, even without Lionel Messi. The Argentina player ratings vs Brazil highlight standout performances from Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez, who proved the team’s depth and versatility. Scaloni’s tactical mastery and the squad’s hunger sent a clear message: the Albiceleste are serious contenders for the 2026 World Cup. For Brazil, this humbling defeat raises questions about their readiness, demanding a swift response in their qualification campaign.

Watching Argentina crush Brazil 4-1 in World Cup qualifying 😳 pic.twitter.com/aNIubwLvMI

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 26, 2025

FAQs Argentina without Messi

1. Why was Lionel Messi absent against Brazil?
Messi missed the match due to a minor adductor injury sustained with Inter Miami.

2. How does this affect Argentina’s World Cup qualification?
Argentina had already qualified for 2026, but this win boosts their momentum and confidence.

3. Who were the top performers for Argentina?
Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister stood out with their goals and overall impact.

4. What does this loss mean for Brazil?
Brazil remains in the qualification race, but this defeat exposes tactical flaws that need addressing.

5. Were there any injuries from the game?
No significant injuries were reported, though both teams will assess player fitness moving forward.