Raphinha Refers To Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi In Brutal Dig At Brazil Fans Over Neymar Treatment

• Raphinha has taken to Instagram to hit out at Brazilian fans after Neymar got injured in their World Cup opening game
• Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar picked up an ankle sprain during Brazil's Group H against Serbia
• The Paris Saint-Germain superstar hobbled off with an ankle injury in the 79th minute, with Antony taking his place

Barcelona winger Raphinha has criticised Brazilian fans after Neymar was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup group stages through injury.

The five-time World Champions started their World Cup campaign in style after recording a 2-0 win over Serbia in a Group G clash on Thursday evening.

Two goals from Tottenham striker Richarlison, including a breathtaking overhead kick, ensured Tite’s side got off to a winning start.

Despite the result and the impressive performance from the Samba Boys, there were panicking moments as vital player Neymar was forced off in the 80th minute.

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According to the Guardian, Neymar sustained an ankle injury and will miss the rest of the group stage. The PSG star could however return if Brazil qualify for the knockout rounds of the tournament.

Raphinha has hinted that some Brazil supporters may have been hoping for Neymar to be ruled out completely by re-sharing a post claiming that the forward doesn't get the same recognition from fans as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The post read: 'Argentina supporters treat Messi like a God. Portugal supporters treat Ronaldo like a King. Brazil supporters yearn for Neymar to fracture his leg.'

Neymar is currently playing at his third World Cup, but injuries have hindered his impact in the previous two tournaments.

Back in 2014, he suffered a back fracture in the quarter-final against Colombia, which ruled him out of the semi-final with Germany. Brazil went on to suffer a humiliating 7-1 defeat in the last-four clash without him.

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He then had fitness issues in the build up to the 2018 World Cup, and despite scoring two goals he was unable to lead Brazil to glory as they exited at the quarter-final stage.

Neymar, the most fouled player

Per the Guardian, Neymar was fouled nine times during the battle against the Eastern European side, more than any other player at the World Cup so far.

The 2022 World Champions will lock horns with Switzerland on Monday, then round off their group games against Cameroon next Friday.

Neymar pens touching message

Sports Brief earlier reported that Brazil forward Neymar Junior has penned a touching message following his heartbreaking injury in his side's two-nil victory against Serbia.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward picked up an ankle sprain during Brazil's Group H curtain-raiser, kick-starting Brazil's bid to a sixth world title on a winning note.

Neymar's injury will come as a dent to Brazil's sensational start to the quadrennial tournament.