Whenever Brazil and Argentina clash on the soccer field, it transcends mere competition; it becomes a grand festival of football. However, in their latest encounter, according to Argentina’s president Javier Milei, the only player missing from this spectacle was the one who “loves to party” the most. Argentina triumphed over Brazil with a decisive 4-1 victory in Buenos Aires, securing their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Yet, it was the events that unfolded after the match that generated considerable buzz among fans and media across South America.
No Lionel Messi? No issue. But no Neymar? A complete disaster. Neymar, who was scheduled to finally return to the Seleção following another injury hiatus, was unable to attend the Monumental. A muscle problem with Santos kept him in Brazil, watching in despair as his teammates suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of a dominant La Albiceleste team that barely broke a sweat.
After the final whistle, Milei, known for his bold remarks, didn’t hold back: “Considering how much Neymar loves to party, it’s strange he missed this dance,” he quipped on Instagram, drawing cheers from Argentine supporters and outrage from Brazilian fans.
This jab was no coincidence. Neymar’s penchant for a glamorous nightlife and questionable recovery routines has long been a hot topic. The 33-year-old superstar has now missed 47 Brazil matches in the last four years — an astonishing tally for a player still regarded as the face of Brazilian football.
Worse yet, back in Brazil, alarms are sounding. Without the veteran star, the national team’s win percentage plummets, and Dorival Junior’s tactical approach appears ineffective. This was not merely a narrow defeat; it was a significant thrashing by their eternal rivals, who didn’t even have their king, Lionel Messi, on the pitch.
Argentina’s president embraces the meme culture
On the field, Argentina’s win represented more than just goals — it showcased their depth and solidarity. Even in the absence of Inter Miami’s captain, they demonstrated their ability to dominate. Players like Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Enzo Fernandez delivered a stellar performance that overwhelmed their arch-rivals from start to finish.
Thus, Argentina’s president wasn’t content with just one insult. On Instagram, he inundated his followers with memes and inside jokes. One featured a lion in an Argentina jersey, while another displayed an AI-generated hand holding up four fingers — a playful reference to the scoreline. He even shared a modified version of a famous quote from Guillermo Francella, cleverly swapping the “a” with a “4” in “Br4sil,” teasing the defeated rivals.
For Milei, this victory was not merely about soccer; it was a political statement. “Football reflects our combative spirit,” he proclaimed, as Buenos Aires erupted in chants, fireworks, and celebrations that Neymar would have undoubtedly enjoyed — if only he had been invited.
