Matheus Cunha started for Brazil against Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning, and it was a night to remember for the Wolves forward.
Cunha was selected for Dorival Junior’s Brazil squad for the World Cup Qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.
The 25-year-old was rewarded for his sensational form this term after scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Wolves.
In the 2-1 win over Colombia on Friday, which saw Vinicius Jr score a 99th-minute winner, Cunha was involved for the final 30 minutes of that clash.
He impressed during that cameo and then earned a start against arch-rivals Argentina alongside his teammate Andre.
Brazil’s media praise Matheus Cunha after scoring against Argentina
Ahead of this showdown, Argentina were without the injured Lionel Messi. But even though the little magician is still instrumental to their attack at the age of 37, his teammates produced a stunning performance without him.
Lionel Scaloni’s side thrashed Brazil 4-1 to extend their lead at the top of the World Cup Qualification table.
It was a defeat for Brazil last night, losing 4-1 to Argentina but Matheus Cunha got on the scoresheet in the first half. 🇧🇷 🐺
— Talking Wolves (@TalkingWolves) March 26, 2025
Cunha played around 70 mins, Andre started and played over 80 mins and Joao Gomes came on at half time.#WWFC | #Wolves
pic.twitter.com/HqICX1cpuF
But while it was a night to forget for the Brazilians, it will live long in the memory of Cunha, who scored his first-ever international goal.
Reacting to his performance, media outlet Correio Braziliense handed him a score of 6 and wrote: “Author of the National Team’s goal, he was the best on the field. He was the reference in the attack, but he had to go back to get the ball to generate alternatives for the attack. It went well when biting the sister ball exit and being rewarded with the first goal with the first team.”
Zero Hora then gave him a score of 6 and said: “He was the one who tried the hardest. The reward came in the form of a goal.”
Remarkably, in a field full of world-class talent, including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, Cunha was the best player on the pitch for Brazil.
Cunha’s stats vs Argentina
An international goal against Argentina will only drive up the hype over his potential summer move, with many clubs fighting to trigger his £62.5 million release clause.
Cunha scored a well taken goal after pouncing on an error but his all-round game was also impressive, showing a willingness to track back and influence his sides attacks.
Matheus Cunha’s stats vs Argentina
- 69 minutes played
- 1 goal
- 30 touches
- 13/16 accurate passes (81%)
- 4 successful dribbles
- 6 ground duels won
- 2 tackles
Cunha said he was going to deliver for Brazil during the international and he did that emphatically by scoring against their South American rivals.