Neymar labels Messi a ‘son of a bitch’!

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • 12 Jul 2021 07:46 CDT
  • 5 min read
Lionel Messi and Neymar, Copa America final 2021
© ProShots

Neymar has jokingly labelled Lionel Messi a “son of a bitch” and the greatest player of all time after losing the Copa America final to his former teammate.

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Messi’s Argentina defeated Neymar’s Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana on Saturday, with Angel Di Maria scoring a brilliant winner.

This earned Messi a long-awaited first major title for his country, 16 years after making his Albiceleste debut.

In an emotional scene after full time, Neymar walked over to Messi to embrace him and hug him as the Argentina players celebrated.

This sparked rumours of a club reunion between Messi and Neymar at PSG next season, with the Argentine currently a free agent.

What did Neymar say about Messi?

"Losing hurts me and it's something I still haven't learned to live with," Neymar posted on Instagram.

"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."

These comments from Neymar will no doubt further fuel reports that Messi could sign for PSG this summer.

Lionel Messi, Copa America 2021 final
© ProShots - Lionel Messi, Copa America 2021 final

The pair spent four years together at Barcelona between 2013 and 2017, becoming close friends and memorably winning the treble in 2015.

Neymar left Barca for PSG in a controversial, world record transfer in 2017.

PSG have spent heavily this summer, signing the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Gini Wijnaldum and Sergio Ramos, while Gigi Donnarumma will soon complete a Bosman transfer too.

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