Brazil boss Tite has rejected Kylian Mbappe's assessment that his side and Argentina don't have the same level of competition as European countries, despite their recent shortcomings.
The Frenchman, already a World Cup winner, is looking to help his country become the first nation to defend its crown since Brazil did so 60 years ago when Qatar host the latest tournament. Mbappe scored in the final four years ago as Les Blues saw off Croatia in Russia.
France's success means the last four World Cup winners have come from Europe with Italy, Spain and Germany all triumphing before them. Brazil were the last non-European winner after claiming a fifth success in 2002. Since then though they've come up short, reaching just one semi-final.
Earlier this year Mbappe commented on the reasons for their struggles, saying: "Argentina and Brazil don't have that level of competition in South America, the football is not as developed as in Europe, that is why most recent World Cup winners have been Europeans."
In response to the PSG star's comments, the Brazil boss told ESPN Brazil: "Maybe [Mbappe] is talking about these Nations League clashes or European friendlies, but not World Cup qualifiers. We don't have, with all due respect, Azerbaijan to play. We don't have anyone that gives you a break. The qualifiers here have a much higher degree of difficulty than the group stage [of European qualifying]."
Argentina were beaten finalists in 2014 but they themselves haven't tasted success since their 1986 triumph in Mexico. South American countries attempt to qualify from one large group consisting of 10 nations, whilst European sides are divided into several groups.
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That can lead to a huge gulf in quality with France putting eight past Kazakhstan in qualification for the 2022 tournament. Tite has used that as ammunition, insisting his country had no easy games in qualification, after topping the standings without losing any of their 17 games.
Mbappe's comments have also resulted in a reaction from Argentine and Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, who said: "I saw what [Mbappe] said, but Argentina and Brazil have players of great quality and talent. Brazil, just like us, has most of its players in Europe. I thought it was an unfair comment."
Brazil are currently narrow favourites to win their sixth World Cup later this year with France close behind. Argentina, who won the most recent edition of the Copa America, are among those fancied to go far, as are Euro 2020 runners-up England and Spain.
