Two Football crazy nations and two stalwarts of the game are on a collision course. With Croatia and Netherlands in their way, Brazil and Argentina start as favourites when they take on their European opposition in the Quarter Finals of the FIFA World Cup tonight.
The Messi-Neymar Bromance
At Barcelona
Not taking anything away from the slowly peaking Netherlands and a hardworking Croatia, a Brazil – Argentina Semi-Final is a vividly expected outcome, and in such a scenario Neymar and Messi, the closest of friends with a brotherly relationship would be at loggerheads. Their Bromance goes back to the days when Neymar moved to Barcelona. Messi by that time had already achieved legendary status at the Club and was the one who made it comfortable for Neymar his 5 years junior. The collaboration between Messi and Neymar saw the beginning of a terrific phase for Barcelona. With Luis Suarez too joining in, Barcelona had one of the fiercest marksmen in the world.
At PSG
Messi and Neymar enjoyed a great comaraderie on and off the field. However the shadow of Messi was too large and Neymar eventually left Barcelona for his personal growth and joined Paris Saint Germain( PSG ) . However the Neymar – Messi friendship never soured and Neymar did repay Messi’s favour when Messi moved to PSG. When it became evident that Messi had to leave Barcelona, he could have made a move to England, Germany or Italy, but he preferred to travel to France and join PSG. Messi could draw comfort from the fact that Neymar was there in PSG. Neymar did exactly what Messi did to him when he had joined Barcelona. He eased Messi into the Club, whose performances this year at PSG have been top notch.Neymar and Messi have played together, trained together and travelled together which has cemented their bond. They call each other brothers and rightly so.
The Nonchalant Messi
Messi the elder statesman, is probably playing his last World Cup and from the look of his, he is hell bent on enjoying it. He looks extremely calm and collected and deeply involved at the same time. The first round loss to Saudi Arabia did not stir him to the wrong side. On the other hand he has come up with his trademark brilliance to lift his team. His changed demeanour is reflected in his nonchalant shrug when he missed a penalty against Poland. The weight of expectations notwithstanding, Messi is going to have a good time. The way he celebrates his goal is proof enough. Watch out Netherlands.
The Unperturbed Neymar
For Neymar, the good news is that the weight of expectations is well distributed. Its not about Neymar alone in the star studded Brazil line up. Its about Vinicius Jr, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus too. This has led to Neymar enjoying his stay on the field away from the spotlight. He is happy to make the play and let the younger ones score. He has matured as a player and with the opposition gunning for the other stars, Neymar could just have his night.
The Football romantics and two countries where Football is their second religion and nothing short of life, would be waiting eagerly for a Neymar – Messi clash in National colours for one last time. It would be an epic tale in the great saga of two sporting icons.
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