Barcelona star Raphinha has been left angered by Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to use him in the team’s 1–0 defeat to Bolivia on Tuesday.

The fixture, played in El Alto at an altitude of 4,150 meters, came after Brazil had already secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the game’s lack of importance, Ancelotti introduced Raphinha from the bench just after the hour mark in a bid to rescue the result.

According to Diario Sport, the winger was “furious” at being asked to play in such extreme conditions for a match that had no bearing on qualification. The altitude reportedly left the Barça forward tired, defeated and irritated as he returned to the dressing room.

Raphinha voiced his frustration to the media after the match, saying:

“From the moment a team makes you play at an altitude of 4,000 metres to win the game, I think that is quite detrimental to the other teams. And then, in a balanced match like the one we were playing, the referee invented a penalty. I think that complicates our game even more inside the camp.”

Barcelona Concerned Over Player’s Condition

The decision is also expected to cause tension at Barcelona. Head coach Hansi Flick had hoped Raphinha would be rested during this international window, especially since Ancelotti opted not to call up Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, or Éder Militão from Real Madrid once qualification was confirmed.

Raphinha now faces a long return trip to Europe and could be at risk of missing Sunday’s La Liga clash against Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff due to fatigue.

Barcelona fans and staff alike will be keeping a close eye on his recovery, particularly with a packed schedule ahead.