Vinícius Júnior has called for Brazil to push the reset button following their alarming 4-1 defeat at Argentina in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier.

Playing without injured captain Lionel Messi, Argentina outplayed Brazil at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, with the visitors having just one shot on target.

“Everyone did badly, we played badly, and Argentina played an excellent game, with their fans,” Vinícius told reporters. “We have to rethink everything we’ve been doing, because the pressure will come, the people want us to win.

“The World Cup is only a year away and I’ve already played in a World Cup and I don’t want to lose again. I think we have to do a lot of different things and take the good things we’re doing in qualifying to build a squad. Everyone knows how difficult it is to play in this kit, but we have to improve, keep our heads up, because we’re Brazilians and we never give up. We’re going to qualify for the World Cup and try to do everything for our country.”

Tuesday’s loss was Brazil’s fifth defeat in qualifying and their first since a 1-0 setback at Paraguay in September.

The outcome left Dorival Júnior’s side fourth in the South American qualifying group, 10 points adrift of leaders Argentina, who have already sealed a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

“Argentina have been working together for a long time,” Vinícius said. “[They have] a lot of players that have played together for a long time in the national team, they won the last World Cup, they have the confidence. We’re trying to find our way of playing, to win the fans’ confidence, but it’s a long job. We have to keep improving.”

Argentina’s Julián Álvarez said Raphinha‘s comments ahead of the game acted as an incentive.

Outstanding for Barcelona this season, Raphinha spiced up the South American clásico by saying “We’ll beat them up!” in an interview with Brazil great Romário ahead of the match.

“Obviously that way of talking [by Raphinha] adds flavour to the game in a match like this,” Alvarez told TyC Sports. “But with our humility and hard work, we played a great game and we gave them the runaround.”

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez said Raphinha spoke too soon.

“I don’t understand those types of players that like to speak before a game,” Martinez told TyC Sports. “I was always taught to speak after a game or do the talking on the pitch. It serves us. Let’s hope they continue to speak about us as it lights up the dynamite.”

Dorival took full responsibility for his team’s poor showing on Tuesday but believes he can turn things around.

“I have no doubt that we will find a way,” he said. “In all my years and experience in football, this is perhaps the most delicate moment.

“I never give up and I have always achieved important goals in the clubs I have managed.

“No one expected what we saw, and the responsibility is entirely mine. The Argentina team was superior in every way. I even apologize to the Brazilian fans, because the expectations were very different from what we saw, from what we presented.”

Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues did not speak to the media after the game. Amid mounting pressure on Dorival, reports in Brazil claim long-time target Carlo Ancelotti is being considered again by the CBF as a candidate for the hot seat should Dorival be dismissed in the coming months.

Ancelotti, who has been a target of the CBF since Tite stepped down as Brazil coach in December 2022, has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2026.

Another candidate that is reportedly being considered is Flamengo coach Filipe Luis.

Since Dorival took command of the national team in January 2024, Brazil have won seven, drawn four and lost two of their 16 games.

The Canarinha were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Copa América by Uruguay, a tournament that was won by Argentina.

Brazil are back in action in June when they visit Ecuador and host Paraguay in their next World Cup qualifiers.