Striker Neymar won the treble with Al Hilal Club in the 2023 – 2024 season, despite only playing 5 matches scoring 1 goal and having 3 assists, due to a serious injury and a long-term absence until now. He just revealed that he was congratulated by Messi.
“We talked a lot, he even sent me a message yesterday (June 3). We were very happy for each other. He also congratulated me on winning the championship titles at Al Hilal . Messi is a great person, an example for me to strive for. In addition to being an idol, he is also a very good friend of mine,” Neymar expressed talked about Messi, in a recent interview on BandSports channel (Brazil).
Neymar is still recovering from ligament injury surgery. This 32-year-old star therefore had to say goodbye to Copa America (taking place in the United States from June 20 to July 14) in the Brazilian team shirt. It is expected that it will be August before the new 2024-2025 season starts before Neymar returns to the field.
In response to rumors that he could return to his hometown club Santos in the upcoming summer transfer window, Neymar denied: “There is no chance. The rumors are nonsense. I still have one year of contract with Al Hilal.” . I always support Santos, and hopefully one day I will return. But for now I am only focused on Al Hilal. Hopefully, I will have a full and wonderful season with the team in the future when you fully recover from your injury.”
Without Neymar, the Brazilian team heads to the Copa America with emerging and very hopeful stars, such as Vinicius and Rodrygo, players who just won the Champions League with Real Madrid. Or the young talent, 17-year-old striker Endrick of Palmeiras Club, is also about to join Real Madrid after Copa America.
Recently, Neymar also posted a message congratulating Vinicius and Rodrygo on winning the Champions League with Real Madrid: “My boys. So deserving. You are the hope of the Brazilian team.”
The Brazilian team will arrive in the United States this week to start their Copa America journey, preparing to play two friendly matches against the Mexican team at 7:30 a.m. on June 9 and meet the American team, host of the 2024 Copa America, at 6 a.m. hours on June 13.
At Copa America 2024, the Brazilian team is in Group D. They will play their opening match against Costa Rica at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood City, California at 8:00 a.m. on June 25. Next, meet the Paraguay team at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada at 8:00 a.m. on June 29; and the final group stage match against Colombia at 8:00 a.m. on July 3 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. All matches take place in Vietnam time.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian team’s rival, the Argentina team, arrived in Miami with a full squad on June 3 and had an official practice session at the Inter Miami Club’s training ground on June 4. Famous player Messi also came to gather and practice with the whole team.
The Argentine team will play two friendly matches to gain momentum for Copa America, including the match against Ecuador (June 10) in Chicago, Illinois. Next is the match against the Guatemala team on June 15 in Landover City, Maryland.
In the Copa America group stage, the Argentina team (located in Group A) plays their opening match against the Canadian team at 7:00 a.m. on June 21 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Next is the match against Chile at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 8:00 a.m. on June 26; and the final group stage match against Peru at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida at 7:00 a.m. on June 30.
