Given the huge celebrations when Neymar was named in Brazil’s World Cup squad, a joke from the country’s president hasn’t gone down well.
Brazil’s all-time top scorer was included in a national team squad for the first time since October 2023 for the World Cup but turned up injured.
Neymar missed the first match against Morocco and also won’t play against Haiti, leaving many to question if he should’ve been selected.
Among them was Brazil president Lula, who made an awkward joke at an event.
Asked by a young member of the public for his thoughts on the striker, he responded: “Neymar isn’t even playing.
“Neymar is the first home-office call-up in the World Cup.”
The crowd largely laughed, and Lula perhaps instantly regretting it, said he was just repeating a joke he’d read online.
He then went on to add: “One day we’ll build a team with artificial intelligence where we’ll include eleven Pelés.”
Another atendee asked for his thoughts on the game against Haiti and he responded: “I was thinking about signing Messi to play for Brazil.”
Neymar injury update
Neymar returned to Brazil training on Wednesday, but will not even travel for the Haiti match, instead staying in New Jersey to train.
A statement read: “The CBF announced, on this Thursday, that Neymar will not travel with the delegation to Philadelphia.
“He will stay in New Jersey making use of the hotel facilities and the Columbia Park CT.”
In a previous update, they said: “The athlete Neymar underwent an MRI scan this Monday.
“The exam showed good progress in his treatment, within the expected parameters.
“He will continue the recovery and physical preparation process planned by the Brazilian National Team’s medical staff.”
Carlo Ancelotti also gave his own update on Neymar.
“I think it’s quite clear,” he said. “He’s doing a great job individually.
“I believe he’ll have an MRI tomorrow and if everything is okay, he’ll be able to train with the group next week.”
Neymar had some more bad news too, with his biggest fan admitting he isn’t the greatest ever.
Speaking in an interview, Lamine Yamal said of Lionel Messi: “Every match proves that he is the best of all time. If anyone has doubts, it’s because they’re looking for them.
“There’s nothing more to say. My idol is Neymar, but Messi is the best.”
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