The rivalry between and for being the most recognized national teams in South American football is one of the fiercest that exists in this sport. However, it had been a long time since such a heated buildup was seen… and that’s considering this is a match. All of this, following the incendiary statements made by in an exclusive interview with .

Asked about how he imagined the match between and might play out, showed his rebellious side. “We’re going to give them a beating,” he told just before promising that he would score his first goal against , which caused a huge stir… leading the to prepare a response that could be described as humiliating.

According to several media outlets in yesterday afternoon, the had planned to show the won in in 2022 while both teams were entering the field. However, himself reportedly put the brakes on this response in an attempt to ease the growing tension surrounding the match.

In a press conference, wanted to send a conciliatory message ahead of the vs match: “It’s a football game. 90 minutes on the field, and each one wants to win. After that, I think we all have a Brazilian friend or acquaintance. I’ve played with many, and I get along well with them.” It’s curious, though, that none of the 22 players expected to start share the same team.

He also recalled the image featuring and after the final: “I remember the image after the Copa América final in 2021, of Leo (Messi) sitting with Neymar on the steps of the Maracanã, and that’s the image we all need to remember.” We’ll see if his words resonate when the Superclásico begins.