Back to the International Newsfeed

Brazil could lose Neymar like Argentina lost Messi, warns Olympic coach Micale

The Barca star has been booed and jeered by locals after two disappointing performances at Rio 2016, with crowds chanting for him to be replaced by female star Marta.

Brazil’s Olympic coach Rogerio Micale says he is confident captain Neymar will one day be the best player in the world, but warned Brazilian football that it must show the Barcelona star more respect or the country risks losing him.

Neymar’s Barca colleague Lionel Messi retired from international football in June after enduring a fractious relationship with fans and media in his native Argentina for the best part of a decade.