Neymar Makes Important Statement About Lionel Messi after Losing Copa America

Neymar Makes Important Statement About Lionel Messi after Losing Copa America

SportsBrief.com, Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:46 PM
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  • Neymar failed to guide Brazil to back-to-back Copa America glory after their 1-0 defeat to Argentina
  • The victory ended Messi's long wait for an international title since he broke into his country's senior team
  • After the game, both Messi and Neymar were spotted chatting and he said he lost to a better player

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Brazil winger Neymar seems unapologetic about chatting Lionel Messi after losing the Copa America title to Argentina on home soil.

Neymar's emotional tribute to Messi: I hugged the greatest, enjoy your title.
Lionel Messi hugging Neymar tight after Argentina pipped Brazil to Copa America title. Photo by Wagner Meier.
Source: Getty Images

Angel Di Maria scored the only goal that handed La Albiceleste the victory in the 22nd minute of the crunch encounter.

After the final whistle, the world's most expensive player wept until Messi consoled him, and moments later, they were pictured laughing together - a sight that got many criticising him.

Neymar admitted that losing the cup was painful but insisted that he lost it to a better player, adding that he has so much respect for the Argentine as reported by Marca.

What Neymar said about Copa America defeat

"Losing hurts me and it's something I still haven't learned to live with.Yesterday, when I lost, I went to give a hug to the greatest and best I have ever seen play in football history, my friend and brother Messi. I was sad and I joked to him 'you've beaten me!'
"I'm very sad to have lost, but this guy is awesome! I have great respect for what he has done for football and especially for me. I hate to lose! But enjoy your title. Football was waiting for you for that moment! Congratulations brother."

The 34-year-old also clinched the golden boot and the best player of the tournament awards for his impressive display all through the game.

Lionel Messi dedicated Copa America title to Maradona, others

Messi recognised the support he and his teammates received from everyone who supported them all through the tournament in Brazil.

He has since dedicated the prestigious silverware to those who supported him through the journey including his family, Argentina legend Diego Maradona and those battling COVID-19.

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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