By Ramiro Diaz

Just a few days ago, Raphinha found himself at the centre of controversy after claiming that Brazil would thrash Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers. However, the reality was quite the opposite, as the Albiceleste secured a victory at the Monumental, leading to widespread criticism of the Barcelona player.
His words did not sit well with the Argentine squad, especially with key figures like Rodrigo De Paul, who has always defended his national team with great passion. Many believed that the relationship between the two players would remain tense following the incident, but what happened next came as a surprise.
Yesterday, Barcelona knocked Atletico Madrid out of the Copa del Rey in a hard-fought match that saw the Catalans celebrating their progression. After the final whistle, De Paul and Raphinha were seen approaching each other in the mixed zone, a moment that caught many off guard.
Rather than holding onto any grudges, Rodrigo De Paul was seen sharing a friendly embrace with the Brazilian. The two exchanged words in what appeared to be a gesture of mutual respect, proving that there was no lingering tension from the qualifiers.
The most unexpected moment came when the Argentine midfielder went a step further. Despite the heated rivalry between Argentina and Brazil, the Atletico Madrid star gifted his shirt to Raphinha, an act that nobody had anticipated.
This gesture not only surprised fans but also caught the attention of journalists and social media users, who praised the Argentine’s sportsmanship. In a football world where rivalries often run deep, De Paul’s actions showcased maturity and respect beyond what is said in the heat of the moment.
Despite the recent controversy surrounding Raphinha’s comments about Argentina, the Brazilian received De Paul’s shirt in a clear sign that football rivalries should remain on the pitch.

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