Coach Carlo Ancelotti's decision to call up Neymar to the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup is similar to Argentina's attempt to get Messi to participate in the 2022 World Cup. It's seen as a last chance before the most anticipated star's career declines. At that time, Messi was 35 years old, while Neymar is now 34.

After Brazil's defeat to Belgium in the 2018 World Cup quarter-finals, Neymar stood alone beside the team bus, his image projected onto a giant LED screen: head bowed, shoulders slumped under the weight of expectations. He was only 26 years old, but he seemed to have just missed his best chance to win the World Cup.

The climax came in the brutal quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, where Brazil defeated Colombia, but Neymar suffered a serious injury and had to leave the tournament. The next morning, the atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro was eerily silent. Then, in the semi-final against Germany, Brazil suffered a disastrous 1-7 defeat.

A Brazilian fan holds a poster that reads, "Go Neymar, our hope for our 6th World Cup title." Photo: AP

In the group stage of the 2015 Copa America, Colombian players provoked Neymar to the point where he committed a foul and was sent off. Yet, just a month earlier, Neymar had combined with Messi and Suarez to help Barcelona complete the treble by defeating Juventus in the Champions League final.

Two years later, Neymar inspired Barcelona's spectacular comeback against Paris Saint-Germain, leading the French club to spend a record sum to buy him. Perhaps Neymar felt the need to escape Messi's shadow, believing this was his best chance to win the Ballon d'Or, but instead he became a tool in the revenge plans of the wealthy elite. Ultimately, Neymar always symbolizes the dreams and needs of others.

At the 2022 World Cup, Messi shone brightly, leading Argentina to victory, while Neymar continued to be a victim of Croatia's resilience. Neymar has dedicated his entire career to pursuing greatness, but has consistently fallen prey to excessive expectations. This World Cup may be his last chance to achieve the extraordinary feat that people expect or demand, but which he has yet to accomplish.

Messi entered the 2022 World Cup after half a season in which he played only 18 matches in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, scoring 10 goals. Neymar had started 27 domestic league games over the past three years; but had only played 682 minutes in the domestic league this year before suffering a recent injury.

Choosing Neymar was a risky move by coach Carlo Ancelotti, or perhaps an acceptance of the immense pressure from the fans. Neymar could come off the bench and make a decisive contribution, but this seems to be another example of Brazil needing Neymar to become their own Messi. Messi, at 35, carried Argentina to the top of the 2022 World Cup, and now Brazilian fans are hoping that at 34, Neymar will create extraordinary moments in what is considered his final World Cup in 2026.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/khi-brazil-can-mot-messi-1041092