Neymar pays tribute to Lionel Messi despite Brazil losing to Argentina in the Copa America 2021 final

The long wait of Lione Messi for an international trophy has finally been over as Argentina finally beat Brazil 1-0 courtesy of Di Maria’s solitary goal in the Copa America 2021 final.

Lionel Messi and Neymar played together in Barcelona and formed the famous trio of Messi-Suarez-Neymar and achieved huge success at the club level. The former teammates met again in the Copa America 2021 final as Messi was on the search for his maiden international trophy.

One of the most iconic moments of the final was Lionel Messi and Neymar sharing an embrace and having a lengthy conversation after the match. Football has always been so much more than just a game.

Neymar has posted on Instagram paying tribute to one of the greatest players, Lionel Messi. He wrote: “Losing hurts me and it’s something I still haven’t learned to live with.”

“Yesterday, when I lost, I went to give a hug to the greatest and best I have ever seen play in football history, my friend and brother Messi. I was sad and I joked to him ‘you son of a bitch, you’ve beaten me!’

“I’m very sad to have lost, but this guy is awesome! I have great respect for what he has done for football and especially for me.

“I hate to lose! But enjoy your title. Football was waiting for you for that moment! Congratulations brother.”