Tearful Neymar to root for Messi
Print Edition
TEARFUL Brazil star Neymar says he is prepared to set aside the historical rivalry between South America’s two heavyweights as he wants four-time world footballer of the year Lionel Messi to win the World Cup when Argentina meets Germany in tomorrow’s final.
At an emotional press conference Neymar, who missed Brazil’s 1-7 humiliation against Germany in the semifinals because of a broken vertebrae, said his Barcelona clubmate Messi deserved to add World Cup winner to his honors. “Messi’s history in the sport is so important, he has won a lot of trophies and I will be cheering for him,” said Neymar. “He is a friend, he is my teammate and I wish him luck.”
His own misfortune prompted Neymar to wipe away tears as he described his fears, immediately after the knee in the back from Colombian Juan Camil Zuniga in the quarterfinal, that he would be paralysed.
“I was blessed in that situation because it wasn’t more serious. Two more centimeters up and, well, I could be in a wheelchair. So it is really difficult.
“It happened at such an important point in my career,” he said. “It was something I cannot accept. That challenge and what happened was unacceptable,” added the 22-year-old.
Neymar’s support of Messi, and by extension Argentina, is unlikely to be shared by many of his compatriots.
Brazilians are dreading the prospect of Argentina claiming its third world title in Rio de Janeiro. The South American nations are sworn footballing enemies, and Argentina’s advance to the final rubbed salt into Brazilian wounds after the record defeat.
Argentine striker Sergio Aguero said his teammates were comfortable in the marginal underdog role, insisting all the pressure would be on Germany.
“Germany were always the favorites, along with Brazil, to win the World Cup,” Aguero said. “They continue to be so now. We need to play our own game and it suits us that all the pressure is on them.”
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