After assisting Rayan’s goal and committing a series of hard fouls throughout the match, the full-back did not hold back against the Argentinians. After the final whistle, the Grêmio youth prospect pointed to the five stars on the Brazilian jersey and repeatedly made the number five gesture with his hand, alluding to the national team’s five World Cup titles. The gesture did not sit well with the Argentinians and led to the player receiving criticism and insults on social media.
The player’s provocations and tackles had repercussions in the neighboring country. Among mentions of the group stage match where Brazil lost 6-0 to Argentina and criticism of the refereeing, the Brazilian was also the target of insults. One of the users called the player a “white albino monkey.”
In addition to assisting the equalizing goal, Igor made several harsh tackles throughout the match. The full-back left his foot in a challenge with Julio Soler and later went in with a sliding tackle on forward Alex Woiski. The tackle earned him a yellow card, and according to a statement from the AFA, the Argentine player suffered significant abdominal trauma.
Igor’s behavior on the field seems to be a reflection of the intense atmosphere surrounding the match, both on and off the pitch. The historic rivalry between Brazil and Argentina naturally brings heightened emotions, and the pressure to perform can lead to aggressive plays like these. Additionally, the hostile reception from opposing fans, including racist and offensive remarks, may have contributed to his combative approach during the game. While his actions resulted in a yellow card and an injury to an opponent, they also highlight how external factors, such as racism and the weight of national pride, can influence a player’s mentality. In a high-stakes match like this, emotions run high, and players often find themselves caught between passion and discipline, responding not just to the game itself but also to the broader tensions surrounding it.