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Brazil star Neymar has shared the heartbreaking direct messages he exchanged with his teammates who missed penalties in last weekend’s World Cup quarter-final, which saw Croatia emerge triumphant on penalties over the Selecao.
Neymar put Brazil ahead with a great goal in the first-half of extra-time after the initial 90 minutes saw the sides remain tied at 0-0. However, the experienced Croatian side hit back late in the second-half to equalize through Bruno Petkovic just as it seemed the Brazilians had sealed a semi-final appearance.
The game went to a penalty-shootout, and Brazil missed their opening spot-kick when Rodrygo’s effort was saved by the Croatia ‘keeper. The Croats made no mistake with their penalties but Brazil would slip up again when Marquinhos hit the post with his kick to send the European side through.
Neymar himself did not take a penalty as his side’s fifth spot-kick taker. On Sunday evening, the PSG star took to social media to share screenshots of the wholesome messages he exchanged with Rodrygo and Marquinhos.
He said his aim in doing this was to show people how dedicated the team, who were tournament favorites, were to going as far as possible at the Qatar World Cup.
“I decide to expose (without their permission) to see how much we wanted and how united we were… These were some of the messages I exchanged with our group…” Neymar commented on his post to Instagram.
According to reports, a user on the social media site Reddit has since translated these messages from Portuguese to English. The following is what Neymar wrote to Rodrygo:
Neymar’s Messages to Rodrygo
“Brother,] I’m here to tell you that you’re amazing…It’s an hour to be able to be apart of your career, hear you say I’m your idol and watch you become one of the best players in the history of Brazil! The only people that miss penalties are the ones that take them, I already missed a lot in my career and I learned with all of them. But I never gave up, always tried to be better and improve in every way.”
“I like you for free, not for the player but for the good kid you are and heart you have. Stay strong, these critics will make you stronger and you will remember what I told you ‘You will end up getting a cup for Brazil’.”
“I wish you the most success in the world, disconnect these days, rest and come back in full force!
“I’m here for what you need! We’re together 👊”
Rodrygo: “Thanks my idol, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sorry for anything and for delaying your dream as well, I hope you can continue with us, so we can win together, of course is that’s the best for you!! We stay together and thank you for all the love ♥
Neymar: “Don’t you f***ing apologize! Are you crazy? The only people that miss are the ones that take [the penalties], you’re a beast!
“I will teach you later how to take them 😂😂😂😂 We stay together! Take care.”
Rodrygo: “I’m gonna need it 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”
Neymar’s Messages to Marquinhos
Neymar also published his messages exchanged with Marquinhos.
“How are you?,” asks Neymar in a WhatsApp message to the Brazil center-back, “Passing by to tell you that I’m your fan. A penalty won’t change what I think of you. I’m with you forever and you know it. I love you ♥”
Marquinhos replies to Neymar with the following: “What’s up bro? I’m improving bit by bit, only time will make all of this pass.. And you? How are you? Thank you for the message and for thinking about me bro, you’re too amazing, and I wanted it all to have worked out, it’s hard as fuck to think that that penalty was an obstacle in your dream! But we have to keep going, we have to be strong, let time pass and see what football has in store for us 😢♥”
Neymar: “That’s the way to think, let time pass…I more than anyone know that EVERYTHING PASSES, good and bad moment alike… Stay strong, enjoy your family’s company and never forget that beside being your colleague I’m your friend and I want your well being.
“I love you and we keep going together ♥”
Marquinhos: “That’s true bro, only we know what we’ve been through to get here, what we went through these days there, that’s why it hurts so much, the weight is big but the dude in Heaven knows what he’s doing, if he gave me this it’s because I can support it and keep going 👐 You’re amazing, really! I’m your fan, thank you, be well too, we’re gonna need each other in the next battles, love you a lot ♥”
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