Despite being one of the greatest Brazilian players of the last decade, Neymar had gone nearly three years without playing for Brazil. However, head coach Carlo Ancelotti has decided to reintegrate him into the squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting the 34-year-old star to react on social media. Throughout the last decade, Neymar emerged as the most decisive figure for Brazil. While he never managed to win a Copa América or a World Cup, he remained the cornerstone of the national team for years. However, injuries kept him away from the squad for nearly three years. In a surprising turn, the 34-year-old star has now been included in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, prompting an emotional reaction on social media. “It’s hard not to get emotional. With everything we’ve been through. Everything they watched me go through. And me getting here, managing to compete in another World Cup. It’s Incredible. These are tears of pure happiness. Truly I want to tank every single Brazilian who supported me and cheered for me… we have another World Cup to fight for. We will absolutely give our lives to bring the Cup back to Brazil” Neymar said, on his Youtube channel. While there were serious doubts surrounding his physical condition,Carlo Ancelotti has rewarded Neymar for his major improvement at Santos FC, revealing that he will be important. With this call-up, the 34-year-old star now has what could be his final opportunity to chase the long-awaited World Cup title. However, he will not have an easy path toward becoming a starter, as Matheus Cunha and Lucas Paquetá currently appear to hold a certain advantage. Neymar is set to make his return with Brazil after three years away from the national team, giving him a clear opportunity to end his long scoring drought with the Canarinha. In addition, the 34-year-old star emerges as a key figure for Carlo Ancelotti after the injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão, as his experience could prove decisive. Beyond his impact on the field, they also regain a clear dressing-room leader, something that can be crucial when competing at the highest level. Neymar Jr. of Brazil battles for possession with Yangel Herrera of Venezuela during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match. Neymar Jr. to play inside forward for Brazil, says Carlo Ancelotti Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil appear to have a clear plan built around Raphinha and Vinícius Júnior on the wings. In addition, the regular presence of Matheus Cunha as the starting attacking midfielder offers strong indications of how the lineup could look. Because of this, Neymar’s role remains a major topic of debate, leading Carlo Ancelotti to reveal that the 34-year-old star will play as an inside forward. After his numerous injuries at Al Hilal SFC, Neymar has evolved into an attacking midfielder. No longer standing out because of his pace, the Brazilian star now makes the difference through his dribbling, vision, and ability to break defensive lines with precise through balls. Because of this, Carlo Ancelotti will use him as a major enhancer of Brazil’s collective play, something that neither Matheus Cunha nor Lucas Paquetá have consistently managed to provide for the national team.
After a great collective play, Lionel Messi scored the opening goal for Inter Miami in the MLS game against the Portland Timbers. Inter Miami hosted the Portland Timbers on Sunday at Nu Stadium looking to climb the MLS Eastern Conference standings. Lionel Messi spearheaded the attack for the Herons, providing the game’s opening breakthrough before delivering an assist to push the advantage to 2-0, securing the historic first victory at the club’s new home. Sunday’s clash marked Inter Miami’s fifth match at Nu Stadium since its grand opening, with the Herons previously enduring a frustrating stretch of three draws and a loss at the new venue. After sustained attacking pressure turned Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis into the player of the match early with a string of brilliant saves, the Herons finally carved open the Portland defense through the middle of the pitch to finally break the negative streak. In the 31st minute, Messi controlled a pass from Telasco Segovia and quickly found Luis Suarez, who immediately linked back up with the Venezuelan midfielder. Segovia then delivered a spectacular backheel pass that left Messi one-on-one with the keeper, allowing the Argentine star to slot it home and open the scoring for the hosts. Messi makes no mistake for his 12th goal of the year. 💫@InterMiamiCF lead 1-0 at home. pic.twitter.com/QqiFVtiTgS— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026 Messi wasn’t finished impacting the scoreboard, later turning playmaker to set up German Berterame for Inter Miami’s second goal. In the 42nd minute, Messi executed a perfect give-and-go with Suarez before dancing past Cole Bassett and Diego Chara inside the box. After freezing the defenders, the Argentine slipped a pass across the face of the goal for Berterame to tap home first-time, comfortably doubling the Herons’ lead against the Timbers before the break. Messi assists, Berterame finishes. Wow. What a run. 😎 pic.twitter.com/RGsxFTcVS9— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2026 Those numbers bring Messi’s season totals to 13 goals and 5 assists across 15 matches. Most notably, the superstar has racked up four goals and four assists over his last four outings, solidifying his status as the frontrunner for the MLS Player of the Month award for May. Messi directly involved in over half of Inter Miami’s MLS goals Messi has undoubtedly been Inter Miami’s talisman since his arrival, serving as both the team’s primary finisher and the creative engine behind their build-up play. However, during the 2026 MLS campaign, his influence has reached a point where the Herons are heavily reliant on what the Argentine legend can produce on any given night. Through 14 matches, Inter Miami has found the back of the net 33 times, with Messi directly involved in 18 of those tallies by racking up 13 goals and five assists. While nine other players have cracked the scoresheet for Miami this season, Berterame is the next closest with just five goals, highlighting the team’s extreme dependence on their superstar captain.
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