There was significant anticipation in Brazil surrounding Neymar Jr.‘s potential return to the national team after nearly two years of absence. The Santos forward had been called up by coach Dorival Junior for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Lionel Messi’s Argentina, but was ruled out at the last minute due to physical issues.
“It seemed like the return was close, but unfortunately, I will not be able to wear the heaviest jersey in the world right now,” Ney expressed with regret in a message shared on his official Instagram account.
Regarding the reasons behind his omission, Neymar explained that the decision was made collectively with the national team’s medical staff and coach: “We had long conversations, and everyone knows how much I wanted to return, but we reached a consensus and decided not to risk it.”
This decision followed a muscular discomfort Neymar experienced prior to the Paulista Championship semifinal between Santos and Corinthians, which took place last Sunday. Neymar was unable to participate in the match, and his team was defeated 2-1.
Vinicius Junior and Neymar playing with Brazil.
In the final part of his message, the former Barcelona star explained that sitting out the international break would allow him to “better prepare and fully recover from the injury.” He concluded with a message of gratitude to the fans: “Thank you all for the messages of support. It’s part of the process.”
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Brazil rules Neymar out for FIFA World Cup Qualifier vs Lionel Messi’s Argentina
When was Neymar’s last game with Brazil?
The March international break was expected to mark Neymar’s return to the Brazilian national team after a long hiatus. His last appearance for Brazil came in a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in Montevideo on October 17, 2023. In that match, Ney was forced to leave the field before halftime due to severe pain in his left knee, which was later diagnosed as a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.
The long recovery process following surgery, coupled with difficulties in his return to Al Hilal, meant Neymar had not been able to rejoin the Brazilian national team until now. With more regular playing time at Santos, the conditions seemed ripe for a return, but this unexpected setback has thrown those plans into disarray.
Brazil need Neymar
Neymar’s return to the national team was eagerly anticipated, especially given the struggles Brazil have faced in recent World Cup qualifiers. Currently in fifth place in the South American standings with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup has been rocky.
This international break will present two of Brazil’s toughest challenges. On Thursday, they will host Colombia at the Mane Garrincha Stadium in Brasilia, and on Tuesday, March 25, they will travel to Buenos Aires to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
