Former Brazil forward Fred has admitted he wants his nation to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final - so he can see Lionel Messi "cry".
The Selecao take on Croatia in their quarter-final on Friday and a win for Tite's men will book them a tie against either Argentina or Netherlands in the last four. Brazil, who beat South Korea 4-1 to get to this stage of the competition, are fancied to go all the way and reach the final at the Lusail Stadium on December 18.
However, Brazil may have to beat Lionel Messi's Argentina on route, and they have began to find some form in recent games. After losing their opening match against Saudi Arabia, Lionel Scaloni's side have won their last three fixtures - having beaten Mexico, Poland and Australia.
Messi has been a key component in those victories after grabbing two goals in the process, taking him up to three for the tournament. However, ex-Brazil frontman Fred is eager to see PSG ace Messi cry in the semi-final should his nation face Argentina.
"I want the Brazil-Argentina semi-final. I want confusion, turmoil, Neymar's pen, Messi crying," he told ESPN.
Argentina will have to beat the Netherlands and Brazil need to get past Croatia on Friday for the meeting to happen next Tuesday. It would be a fascinating fixture between two South American rivals, with Brazil holding a marginal advantage. They have won 46 of the 113 meetings, with Argentina winning 41 and the other 26 have came out as draws.
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The last time the two teams met was back in November 2021 when they played out a goalless draw. This was the first time they had faced each-other since the Copa America final - a game Argentina won 1-0 thanks to Angel di Maria's first-half effort.
However, Brazil's attention will notably be on their clash with Croatia first, as they try and book a place in the last four. Vinicius Jr spoke to the press on Wednesday ahead of the game and had some fine words about Real Madrid teammate Luke Modric, who is set to line-up for Croatia.
"It's always very difficult to play against players with great qualities. Modric has always taught me a lot, he continues to teach me on a daily basis, he does everything to keep me evolving," Vinicius explained. "He is an example. A 37-year-old guy playing at his level is something rare.
"Footballers like him, Cristiano [Ronaldo], Thiago Silva, who are of an age that is no longer normal to perform like this and who are making it normal again. We are happy for that, I am happy to play against him, and may the best man win.
"As a whole, Croatia has the basis of the last World Cup when they reached the final against France. We have to be prepared not just with Modric, but with the whole squad. They play for big clubs and will do their best to try to beat us."
