Premier League stars Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister got on the scoresheet as Argentina celebrated their World Cup qualification with a dominant 4-1 victory over rivals Brazil.
Argentina knew their place at next year's tournament was already secured after Bolivia failed to beat Uruguay earlier in the day.
However, that did little to diminish Argentina's motivation for this mammoth fixture, demonstrated by the electric start that they made in front of their vocal supporters in Buenos Aires.
Julian Alvarez required just four minutes to give the home fans a goal to celebrate, before Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez netted his first international goal in a year to double Argentina's advantage and leave Brazil with a mountain to climb.
Matheus Cunha pounced on a Cristian Romero mistake to halve the deficit, but rather than being the catalyst for a fightback, the clinical strike proved to be the brightest point of a forgettable outing for Brazil.
Liverpool's Mac Allister quickly restored Argentina's two-goal cushion, before substitute Giuliano Simeone got in on the act in the second period to round off a one-sided affair.
Argentina have now won four of their last five meetings with Brazil, moving them eight points clear at the top of the standings and 10 points clear of the visitors, who are in fourth place and still have work to do to clinch qualification.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Raphinha talked a big game before the match when asked in an interview with Romario whether Brazil would get the better of Argentina.
The Barcelona star replied: "We will beat them, no doubt. On and off the pitch, if we have to."
As it proved, Brazil failed to walk the walk, as Argentina, incentivised by Raphinha's words, demonstrated why they are the reigning world champions and winners of the last two Copa America tournaments.
Raphinha may have declared that Brazil would "beat" their arch-rivals, but in truth, they failed to lay a glove on Lionel Scaloni's side, with their solitary goal only coming from a Romero mistake.
The game ultimately demonstrated that Argentina are ready to defend their title at next year's World Cup, especially as they proved that they can win without the injured Lionel Messi.
As for Brazil, they have considerable work to do if they are to have any chance of winning their sixth World Cup in 2026.
ARGENTINA VS. BRAZIL HIGHLIGHTS
Alvarez goal vs. Brazil (4th min, Argentina 1-0 Brazil)
Alvarez gives Argentina an early lead. Buoyed from scoring the winner against Uruguay, Thiago Almada grabs an assist as he fires a pass into Alvarez, who muscles his way past two Brazil defenders before poking the ball through Bento's legs.
Fernandez goal vs. Brazil (12th min, Argentina 2-0 Brazil)
Argentina double their advantage! The hosts put together a slick attacking move to work the ball to the right side of the box for Gonzalo Montiel to send a low cross towards the far post. Murillo can only deflect the ball into the path of Fernandez, who applies the finishing touches to net his fifth international goal.
Cunha goal vs. Argentina (26th min, Argentina 2-1 Brazil)
A costly mistake from Romero offers Brazil a way back into the contest. Cunha catches Romero dawdling on the ball just outside the box, before driving a low shot out of Emiliano Martinez's reach to open his international account.
Mac Allister goal vs. Brazil (37th min, Argentina 3-1 Brazil)
Mac Allister restores Argentina's two-goal cushion. The Liverpool midfielder makes a purposeful run to latch onto Fernandez's clipped pass into the box, producing a deft first-time finish to guide the ball past Bento.
Simeone goal vs. Brazil (71st min, Argentina 4-1 Brazil)
Argentina pile the misery on their old foes by adding a fourth to their tally. Nicolas Tagliafico's ball across goal drifts past the far post, where Simeone produces a thumping effort to squeeze his shot home from a narrow angle.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ENZO FERNANDEZ
There were a number of standout performers in what proved to be a memorable night for Argentina, although we have given the nod to Chelsea's Fernandez.
The midfielder played a crucial role with a goal and an assist, while he also put in a tenacious display in the middle of the park.
Alvarez, Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul are all worthy mentions for their respective displays, with Argentina's midfield proving to be a level above Brazil's engine room.
ARGENTINA VS. BRAZIL MATCH STATS
Possession: Argentina 56%-44% Brazil
Shots: Argentina 12-3 Brazil
Shots on target: Argentina 7-1 Brazil
Corners: Argentina 6-0 Brazil
Fouls: Argentina 12-19 Brazil
BEST STATS
WHAT NEXT?
Argentina's place at next year's tournament may be assured, but they still have to negotiate four more qualifiers, including games against Chile and Colombia in June.
As for Brazil, they will be looking for a considerable improvement when they return to action in June for matches against Ecuador and Paraguay.
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