Neymar isn’t happy with Brazilians who want to see Lionel Messi and Argentina win the Copa America final on Saturday night, just for the Barcelona player to have his moment.
Brazil and Argentina face each other in the most important of Superclasico das Americas meetings, in the final of the Copa America.
Whenever the two South American powerhouses meet it’s a special occasion but the game at the Maracana has added spice.
Some Brazilians though actually want their rivals to win, because it will mean that Messi finally ends his international football hoodoo of never having won any silverware with them.
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| Neymar certainly won’t be thinking about his friendship with Messi on Saturday night. Image: PA Images |
His former Barcelona teammate certainly isn’t happy with that stance, taking to social media to criticise that choice.
“I am ‘Brazilian with a lot of pride and with a lot of love,” Neymar said on Instagram, “My dream was always to be in the Brazilian team and hear the fans singing. I never attacked nor would I ever attack Brazil if they are playing for something, whatever the sport, a model [beauty] contest, the Oscar………
“I am Brazil, and who is Brazilian and does it differently?
“It’s fine, I will respect it, but go to [hell]… those who are in opposition.” It doesn’t sound like you’re fine Neymar pal.
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| Neymar’s social media post. Image: Instagram |
One such person rooting for Argentina is Spot TV journalist Fabiola Andrade. The journalist posted a picture of herself wearing an Argentina shirt just two days ago.
Explaining why she was supporting her country’s biggest rivals, Andrade wrote, “Before stoning me in a public square, let me explain: I love Brazil, Brazilian football…I have several Argentine friends.
“But I’m not going to root for Argentina in the Copa America final because of them, no. I cheer because I love #football and @leomessi This guy needs to win a title with his country’s shirt! For justice!”
Messi is considered by many as the greatest footballer of all time and has won six Ballon d’Ors and many team trophies in his career.
One of the few criticisms of the 34-year-old is that he’s yet to win any trophies with his country.
The Barcelona star has been to three Copa America finals, including back-to-back finals in 2015 and 2016, and also got to the World Cup final in 2014.
Whether Neymar likes it or not, most neutrals will be hoping that Argentina lift the title on Saturday night.
Annoyingly for him it seems that plenty of Brazilians will be cheering on that scenario too…
Featured Image Credit: PA