Injured Brazilian striker Neymar has publicly expressed his support for Argentina in their quest for the World Cup, highlighting the special bond he shares with his Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano.
“I always said I wanted Argentina to get to the final because Brazil would be there, but it never worked out like that,” Neymar told reporters. “I still want them there because my two teammates are there, Messi and Mascherano, and I hope they win.”
While Neymar’s good wishes stemmed from solidarity with his club teammates, the gesture did not receive universal approval. Argentine midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, a rival on the field, showed little enthusiasm for Neymar’s cross-border show of support. The underlying rivalry between the South American football giants often makes such expressions contentious.
Neymar’s comments underscored the complex relationships and mutual respect that can develop among players at elite clubs, even in the face of fierce national competition. Still, his message reminded fans and players alike that the bonds formed in the dressing room can sometimes transcend historic rivalries on the global stage.
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