More than the negative result, as Argentina qualified for the World Cup earlier in the day and then beat them convincingly, Brazil were defeated also for the way they played, as the team coached by Lionel Scaloni showed to be much better at this stage.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentina is proving it can win without Lionel Messi, just in case he opts not to play in the 2026 World Cup. After Argentina secured a spot in next year’s competition, the main question now is whether the 37-year-old star will play in his sixth tournament and try to win back-to-back championships.

No Lionel Messi, no problem for Argentina as the reigning, defending World Cup winners tore through Brazil in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.