Vinicius Junior could be back in action for Real Madrid this weekend following his return from Brazil duty.
The March international window threw up a mixed set of results for Vini Jr and the Samba Boys as a 2-1 win in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying was followed up with a 4-1 loss away in Argentina.
Victory for Lionel Scaloni’s team in Buenos Aires confirmed their spot at the tournament next summer with defending world champions having four qualifiers still to play.
Vini Jr netted a sensational winner in the 99th minute at home to Colombia, but he struggled to make an impact in a bad-tempted clash with Argentina.
The former Flamengo forward continues to be vital for Real Madrid, with 20+ goals scored in the last four successive seasons, but his Brazil record has come into question.
The 24-year-old has only managed six goals in 39 games, since his senior Samba Boys debut in 2019, and his goal against Colombia is his only one for Brazil since June 2024.
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With criticism beginning to bubble up over his contrasting form for club and country, former Barcelona forward – and Brazil World Cup winner – Rivaldo, has called him out.
“They lacked intensity [vs. Argentina], the players seemed lost, unsure of how to respond. It’s so sad to see Brazil play the way they did, especially so close to a World Cup,” he told Betfair, as covered via Mundo Deportivo.
“They need to get their act together to gain confidence and, above all, avoid embarrassment at a World Cup.
“We have all these great players who are used to facing tough matches from time to time, but for most of the year, they play against mid-tier or smaller teams. It happened to me. I shone at Barca and believed that was enough to perform for the national team.
“I was heavily criticized, until I changed my mindset and realized what I was doing at Barca wasn’t enough, I had to give more for the national team, the shirt weighs heavy, the fans, the press – everyone has an opinion.
“He [Vini Jr] has I don’t know how many appearances for the national team and only six goals? He needs to play better, because he’s a great player. He needs to be a benchmark for this Brazil team, Raphinha too.”
Brazil are next in action via a World Cup qualifier double header this summer, away at Ecuador on June 6 and at home to Paraguay four days later, with the team currently fourth in the CONMEBOL rankings.
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