Argentina's player ratings against Brazil: Nicolas Otamendi impresses at the Maracana, adding to the woes of rivals as the World Cup champions dominate.

Argentina Clinches Crucial Victory at Maracana

Argentina's player ratings against Brazil: Image Courtesy. marca.com

Unexpected Role of Messi as Peacemaker

                                              In the lead-up to Argentina's highly-anticipated World Cup qualifier against Brazil, the spotlight was on Lionel Messi and his record against Selecao. Fans wondered if this match at the iconic Maracana the stage for Messi's long-awaited breakthrough would be, having never scored in a competitive fixture against his country's arch-rivals.

However, Messi's pivotal role took an unexpected turn, transcending the boundaries of on-field heroics. In the face of pre-game disturbances, Messi assumed the role of a peacemaker, leading his team off the pitch. This unforeseen act set the tone for a match that would be remembered for more than just goals and victories.

Otamendi Emerges as the Unlikely Hero

                                                           In a surprising twist of fate, it wasn't Messi who stole the spotlight but rather the veteran defender, Nicolas Otamendi. His powerful header secured the only goal in Argentina's hard-fought 1-0 triumph. This victory not only propels Argentina closer to early qualification for the 2026 World Cup but also intensifies the struggles for Brazil, who now find themselves in the midst of a three-game losing streak—an unexpected downturn for the five-time champions.

Gritty Victory Asserts Argentina's Dominance

                                          The victory at the Maracana was far from a picturesque display of football finesse. The game initially lacked rhythm, with both sets of players visibly affected by the pre-game tensions. As the match settled down, Argentina asserted their superiority, leaving Brazil with three crucial points. This win not only strengthens Argentina's position in the World Cup qualifiers but also reinforces their claim as CONMEBOL's final boss, a title that now seems more fittingly theirs than Brazil's.

Rodrigo de Paul joins in celebration with Lionel Messi following the Barcelona forward's goal in last week's 1-1 draw against Chile in a World Cup qualifier. Photograph: Juan Mabromata/EPA

Player Ratings - Argentina's Standouts

Goalkeeper & Defence Shine in the Crucial Moments

Emiliano Martinez (7/10): 

                                       Showcased his goalkeeping prowess with a crucial save early in the second half, denying Gabriel Jesus a potential breakthrough. The pivotal moment set the stage for Argentina's subsequent success.

Marcos Acuna (7/10): 

                                     Delivered a solid performance on the left-hand side, showcasing versatility by contributing defensively and offensively. His well-rounded contributions were vital to Argentina's overall defensive strategy.

Nicolas Otamendi (8/10): 

                                      Stepped into the spotlight with a colossal goal, defying his critics. The veteran defender, often questioned for slowing down with age, showcased his aerial prowess by leaping over two defenders to smash home the winning header.

Cristian Romero (8/10): 

                                   Stood as an absolute defensive monster. His flawless passing and impeccable defending, marked by several crucial tackles, played a pivotal role in keeping Brazil at bay.

Nahuel Molina (6/10): 

                                    While not as impactful as Acuna on the opposite flank, Molina contributed to the defensive efforts, although he struggled to exert a significant influence on the game.

Nicolas Otamendi of Argentina jubilantly celebrates after scoring the decisive goal against Brazil.
 Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

Midfield Control and Contributions

Giovani Lo Celso (7/10): 

                                       Making his first start since before the World Cup, Lo Celso provided the crucial assist from a corner on Otamendi's goal. Despite an overall average performance, this moment showcased his ability to make an impact when it mattered.

Rodrigo de Paul (7/10):

                                     Endured early challenges, evidenced by bloodied encounters and frequent fouls. However, he maintained composure to deliver a solid performance, contributing significantly in the middle of the field.

Enzo Fernandez (7/10): 

                                     Dictated play effectively, displaying a strong presence both offensively and defensively. His ability to complete nearly every pass and contribute defensively, winning six duels and two tackles, played a key role in Argentina's midfield control.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10): 

                                           Perhaps the only player who endured more physical challenges than De Paul, Mac Allister not only fought through the adversities but also raised his game in the second half when Argentina needed him the most. His resilience and impact were instrumental in Argentina's ability to secure the win.

In the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Argentina's Lionel Messi, on the right, engages in a battle for the ball with Brazil's Carlos Augusto during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023. (Bruna Prado/AP)

Challenges in the Attack

Lionel Messi (6/10): 

                                  Unfortunately, Messi never quite looked fit throughout the game. His early exit to the sidelines due to an apparent muscle injury hindered his influence on the match, leaving a void in Argentina's usual attacking prowess.

Julian Alvarez (5/10): 

                                     The Manchester City man had a notably quiet game, with just 18 touches and zero shots. Despite his potential, Alvarez struggled to make a significant impact during the match.

Impactful Substitutes and Managerial Prowess

Nicolas Tagliafico (6/10): 

                                           Substituted for Acuna in the second half, Tagliafico's performance wasn't as impactful. While maintaining defensive stability, he fell short of replicating Acuna's dynamic contributions.

Nico Gonzalez (6/10): 

                                        Introduced in the 70th minute to inject fresh legs and an attacking outlet, Gonzalez, unfortunately, failed to make a noteworthy impact on the ball. Despite the lack of individual brilliance, his presence added a dynamic element to Argentina's late-game strategy.

Leandro Paredes (6/10): 

                                       Recognizing the midfield's need for energy, Scaloni turned to Paredes, who brought intensity and bite to a fading group. While not a game-changer, Paredes contributed to maintaining Argentina's control in the crucial midfield battles.

Angel Di Maria (N/A): 

                                     Given a brief 15-minute appearance, Di Maria played a part in helping Argentina secure their lead. While not actively involved in significant plays, his experience added a calming presence during the closing stages.

Match Highlights:

Lautaro Martinez (N/A): 

                                       Similar to Di Maria, Martinez had limited playing time with minimal service. Despite the brief stint on the field, he faced challenges in making a substantial impact during the match.

Lionel Scaloni (7/10): 

                                     Mission accomplished for Scaloni! Despite the lack of aesthetic beauty in the victory, Scaloni's adept management skills shone through. Following a challenging loss to Uruguay, he successfully settled down his side. Escaping the Maracana with three points, especially against a Brazil in poor form, is a testament to Scaloni's ability to guide his team effectively and capitalize on crucial moments.