Raphinha heads to U.S. with Brazil after Barcelona hat-trick against Sevilla

"The call arrives right after one of Raphinha's best nights of the season. Barcelona beat Sevilla 5-2 and the Brazilian finished with three goals, his third hat trick since Hansi Flick took over. The first came from the penalty spot after a move he started himself, flicking a clever backheel into João Cancelo's run before the defender was brought down."

"Physical issues interrupted have interrupted his rhythm more than last season, and kept him out of 13 matches, with the coaching staff also holding him back twice as a precaution. Even so, the Sevilla game pushed him to 18 goals for the campaign. A year ago his numbers were almost absurd: 34 goals and 26 assists across competitions."

"With Brazil, his role has quietly grown. Ancelotti has leaned on Raphinha more often during the last windows, and now, Rodrygo's long-term injury has changed the picture, as well. The Italian coach has been open about using the March camp as a rehearsal of sorts for the group he hopes to take to the World Cup."

Raphinha has been selected for Brazil's upcoming friendlies in the United States, where the team will face France on March 26th in Boston and Croatia on March 31st in Orlando under manager Carlo Ancelotti. The call comes after an exceptional performance where Barcelona defeated Sevilla 5-2, with Raphinha scoring three goals including two penalties and one close-range finish. Despite physical injuries limiting him to 13 missed matches this season, Raphinha has accumulated 18 goals for the campaign. His performance contrasts with last year's remarkable 34 goals and 26 assists across competitions. Ancelotti is using the March international window as preparation for World Cup squad selection, with most regular players involved in the friendlies.

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