Brazilian superstar Neymar has hit back after Argentina players started chanting about Brazil following their recent Finalissima win over Italy.
Finalissima 2022 pitted European Champions Italy against Copa America holders Argentina at Wembley.
Argentina, led by Neymar’s Paris-Saint Germain team-mate Lionel Messi, defeated the Selecao in the final to lift their first trophy since 1993.
On the other hand, Italy defeated England in the Euro 2020 final last summer. The tournament was delayed by 12 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Finalissima 2022, Messi was Player of the Match as Argentina beat Roberto Mancini’s side 3-0. Lautaro Martinez, Angel di Maria and Paulo Dybala got on the scoresheet.
Argentina chant about Brazil
Following their victory, the Argentina players celebrated. However, some of their chants appear to be insulting towards arch-rivals Brazil.
Videos were shared on social media of the Argentinian players chanting the words (translation via Daily Mirror):
“What happened, Brazil? Are you still waiting? What happened, Brazil? In the favelas, they’re all crying. The years go by, you remember the 50s Cup? They’re all s***, they’re afraid it will happen again.
“Because Messi has the crown. And the left leg with the magic that enchants you. To make it worse, remember Maradona? I know it hurts you, that it hurts you, but this Cup belongs to Argentina.”
Neymar fires back
Soon after the videos surfaced, Brazil captain Neymar hit back at the Argentinian players on Instagram. He responded with one simple question:
“Did they win the World Cup?”
It is fair to say that the chants did not impress the 30-year-old.
Neymar and Messi’s close friendship
It is no secret that Neymar and Lionel Messi have developed a close relationship. The duo enjoyed a scintillating spell together at Barcelona and were re-united when Messi made the switch to Paris last summer.
Their relationship goes beyond the football pitch. The pair have often been seen out together with their families. In addition, they have been known to socialise together away from the training ground.
So will this mini-feud have a larger impact on their friendship?
Neymar also has good relationships with Argentinian duo Angel di Maria and Leandro Paredes, both of whom have played alongside the Brazilian at PSG.
It is to be expected that Argentina and Brazil will mock one another; they’re arch enemies!
But Neymar’s blunt response has led many to believe that there could be a tinge of frustration at play here.
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