The match Wesley referred to took place at the Monumental Stadium on 25/3/2025, during the 14th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America. Argentina, having already secured their World Cup spot 5 rounds prior, delivered a stunning performance, turning the South American classic into a nightmare for rivals Brazil.

Wesley started in that match, and 5 months later, the 22-year-old Brazilian right-back still hasn't shaken off the feeling of helplessness and disappointment against a superior opponent.

"The entire Brazil team played with determination, but things didn't go our way. We tried our best, but that night, they played as if their whole team was Messi. And there was nothing we could do," Wesley told TNT Sports Brazil on 8/9.

Wesley (right) with the ball against Giuliano Simeone during Brazil's 4-1 loss to Argentina at the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires on 25/3/2025 in the 14th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. _Reuters_

According to Argentinian newspaper Clarin, Wesley's statement is noteworthy because Messi missed the game with a left thigh muscle injury. Before kickoff at the Monumental Stadium, many of Wesley's teammates had expressed confidence and excitement about facing Argentina. "It will be a war," center-back Marquinhos warned. "This match will be as tense as the Copa Libertadores clashes between Brazilian and Argentinian clubs," goalkeeper Bento added. Forward Raphinha even boldly predicted a resounding victory: "Brazil will give them a painful beating. The team will fight with all its might, both on and off the field."

The reality was the opposite of the predictions and threats from Brazil. Argentina not only won but also crushed their opponent. Without Messi, Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Giuliano Simeone scored 4 goals against Brazil, inflicting the team's heaviest defeat since the 1960s. Enzo Fernandez's goal came after a sequence of 34 passes across the pitch. This heavy defeat led to the dismissal of Brazil's coach, Dorival Junior.

"Of course, losing a match isn't the end of the world, but it's a lesson," Wesley continued. "Everyone wants to win, but it's not always possible. We knew Argentina's quality, but we played carelessly, made mistakes, and they capitalized perfectly. Fortunately, Brazil eventually qualified for the World Cup, so this loss wasn't a major issue. We didn't have to bear the shame of being eliminated by them."

Wesley joined Roma from Flamengo this summer for a fee of over 29 million USD and continues to be called up to the Brazil national team for the last two rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. According to the 22-year-old, under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil has learned from the defeat against Argentina and is working on rebuilding.

"Although I haven't worked with the new coach for very long, I can feel a Brazil full of determination. We are showing what we want on the field, and that's what matters," Wesley added.

After defeating Chile 3-0 at home in the Maracana stadium on 5/9, Wesley and Brazil will play away against Bolivia in La Paz tomorrow morning.

Ha Phuong (_Clarin_)