Neymar couldn’t hide his true feelings
Without a doubt, Brazil is one of the favorites to win the Copa América, alongside Messi’s Argentina. However, the “jogo bonito” was glaringly absent in their match against Costa Rica.
Neymar, sidelined by an injury, attended the tournament as just another spectator. Unfortunately for him, he had to witness a deplorable performance by his teammates against a resolute Costa Rican defense. To make matters worse, cameras caught Neymar in a moment of total frustration that he couldn’t hide, making his disappointment painfully visible to fans around the world.
This frustration aligns him with Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, who sharply declared that the current Brazilian team is one of the worst he has ever seen. “A disgrace. I will not watch any Copa America match, nor will I celebrate any victory,” Ronaldinho stated at the start of the tournament. After witnessing the dismal performance by Vinicius and his teammates, his harsh critique seemed more justified than ever.
Ronaldinho’s condemnation went further, criticizing the team for a lack of love for the jersey, determination, and most importantly, skillful football. Neymar, although not publicly voicing his opinion, likely shares the same sentiment. His visible frustration, caught on film, quickly became a hot topic on social media, reflecting the collective disappointment of Brazilian fans.
Perhaps Neymar feels the weight of responsibility, knowing his recurring injuries keep him from contributing on the field. Additionally, Brazil’s lackluster performance did not meet the expectations of fans, especially those in the United States.
In a bittersweet twist, Neymar’s influence seems ineffective both on and off the field. His absence due to injuries leaves a void in Brazil’s gameplay, while his visible frustration and inability to rally his team cast a shadow over his leadership.
As Brazil navigates this challenging period, the nation’s hopes rest on finding new ways to reignite the passion and skill that once defined their football legacy.