Neymar is a player who wears his heart on his sleeve and following Brazil's disappointing FIFA World Cup exit, the PSG superstar let the entire world know how heartbroken he and his teammates were following their elimination.
The Selecao took on Croatia in the quarterfinals, with many backing the five-time champions to go through. However, the game went into extra time as Tite's men and Modric and Co. were unable to score in normal time.
Neymar got the breakthrough in extra time, scoring a brilliant goal to give Brazil what looked to be the winning goal. However, the 2018 runners-up equalized just minutes before the final whistle, thus taking the game to penalties, which they won.
Rodrygo and Marquinhos both missed from the spot while Neymar never even took a penalty as Brazil had lost the game before their fifth attempt. As a result, the Selecao players were left in tears following this result, with Tite later stepping down as the national team boss.
The former Santos sensation has now taken to social media to share some of the private conversations he had with his teammates to show the entire world how much this tournament meant to them. Additionally, the heartbreaking messages shared also proved how united the Brazilian players are.
Neymar, who is yet to confirm whether this was his last FIFA World Cup or not, sent support to Marquinhos, who missed the decisive penalty. The attacker reminded his PSG brethren how much he loves him in a touching message.
"How are you?" the former Barcelona ace wrote to the center-back. "I am here to tell you I am your fan. One penalty won't change how I feel about you. I am always with you and you know that, I love you."
Marquinhos responded with: "Hey brother, I've been improving little by little, just giving time to recover from all this! And you? How are you? Thank you for the message and for thinking about me man, you are so amazing, I wanted everything to go well.
"It sucks to think that penalty was an obstacle in our dream! But let's move forward, we have to be strong, let time pass and see what football has awaiting for us.'
Neymar then replied with: "That's my exact thinking, give time… more than anyone I know that EVERYTHING PASSES, good moments and bad...
"Stay strong, enjoy your family and remember that I'm not just a companion but a friend and I want you feeling well, I love you and we move on together."
Neymar's exchange with Thiago Silva, however, was more heartbreaking. The Chelsea defender is 38 years old and will never play a FIFA World Cup ever again. In their messages, the center-back admits to being emotionally wrecked by having missed out on the trophy in his final bow.
Neymar wrote to the Premier League star: "We will have to move on man, unfortunately, it's like this! I wanted to give you this World Cup so much. You, Dani (Alves), and I all deserved it so much. But God has a purpose for us and knows everything.
Silva responded with: "Brother, it is harder than I imagined, for real! I can't take it. I can't believe we lost! I can't believe it. Every time I remember I feel like crying. But I will be okay."
The PSG attacker showed his character once again, this time reaching out to Rodrygo, who missed Brazil's opening penalty. The 30-year-old told the Real Madrid ace to never apologize for his spot kick and instead highlighted the tremendous courage he showed by going first for his national team.
"Little Bro! I am here to tell you that you are a baller... it's an honor to be a part of your career, to hear you call me an idol of yours, and to see you rising to be a historic player for Brazil!" the Selecao's joint-top scorer in history wrote to Rodrygo.
"Penalties are only missed by those who step up to take one, I've missed many penalties in my career and have learned from all of them.
"But I never gave up, I always looked for better and fought to improve myself in everything. I like you a lot, not just for you as a player but the kind-hearted and good kid you are.
"Stay strong, the critics will only make you stronger and you will remember what I have told you… 'you will still bring a World Cup to Brazil.' I wish you all the success in the world; shut your mind off these days, relax, and come back with everything! I'm here if you ever need me. We're together in this."
The Spanish Primera Division youngster appreciated his teammate's kind words, writing: "Thank you my idol, for everything from the heart.
"I'm sorry for anything I caused and for delaying your dream, I hope you can continue with us [the national team], so we can win it together, obviously only if it is best for you [to continue]!! We are always together in this and thank you for the love."
Neymar, however, was not happy to hear Rodrygo's apologetic tone, jokingly replying with: "Don't say sorry. Are you crazy? Only those who step up will miss, and you are a baller! But later I can teach you how to take them [penalties]. We're together in this, take care man."
While Brazil's 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, Neymar was still able to achieve one feat. His goal against Croatia saw him move level with Pele as the nation's all-time leading goalscorer. Sadly, we might never see the Santos prodigy on the beautiful game's biggest stage ever again.
Croatia, meanwhile, moved on to the semifinals and are now gearing up for a crucial showdown with Argentina. Luka Modric will look to guide his national team to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final but will have to overcome the likes of Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Emiliano Martinez.
