After Santos drew 1-1 with San Lorenzo in Copa Sudamericana, Neymar expressed hope to play in 2026 World Cup and dreams of a final between Brazil and Argentina.
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Neymar reaffirmed his desire to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup during an appearance in Argentina on Tuesday, where Santos drew 1-1 against San Lorenzo in Copa Sudamericana play at Estadio Pedro Bidegain.
Though Neymar did not score in the match, he was the center of attention in the mixed zone after the game. When asked by Argentine journalists whether he still harbors hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup, Neymar responded directly: "Of course, it is everything a Brazilian player thinks about, being there, and I hope I can be."
The 10-shirt wearer for Santos added that he dreams of a specific tournament outcome. "A final between Brazil and Argentina would be spectacular," he said when asked about the possibility of facing his friend Lionel Messi.
Neymar has not yet been called up by Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti for the national team. The player's inclusion in the World Cup squad depends on significant changes in his performance in the remaining matches before May 18, with only two spots left available in the squad.
Neymar's visit to Argentina carried symbolic weight, as Argentine supporters mobilized to obtain tickets to witness the presence of one of the most notable names in football. The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw, with Neymar's participation drawing considerable interest from local media and fans despite his failure to find the net.
The 2026 World Cup would be Neymar's fourth appearance at the tournament if he is selected. His comments in the mixed zone reflected both his determination to be included in the squad and his vision for how the tournament could unfold, with a Brazil-Argentina final representing his ideal scenario for the competition.
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