Carlo Ancelotti's decision to include Neymar in Brazil's World Cup squad underscores the nation's desperate search for its own Lionel Messi, even as the 34-year-old forward battles injuries and declining form. The move, seen as a gamble based on hope rather than logic, highlights the political demands that even the most successful coach in Champions League history cannot escape.
Neymar's Burden: Living Up to the Messi Standard
When Neymar made his Brazil debut in 2010, he was anointed as the country's answer to Lionel Messi, then 23 and already a global star. Since then, Neymar has struggled to escape that shadow. His career has been a mix of brilliance and frustration, marked by injuries, on-field theatrics, and unfulfilled potential. The narrative of a 'last dance' at the World Cup, similar to Messi's triumphant 2022 campaign, feels forced.
The Tactical and Emotional Toll
Neymar's presence has often created tactical imbalances. In the 2018 World Cup quarter-final loss to Belgium, his defensive laxity allowed Romelu Lukaku to exploit Brazil's left flank. This pattern dates back to the 2011 Copa América, where opponents quickly learned that Neymar reacts poorly to physical challenges. His diving and exaggeration became a league-wide arms race, culminating in a fractured vertebra during the 2014 World Cup quarter-final against Colombia.
The aftermath of that injury revealed Brazil's unhealthy dependence on Neymar. Without him, the team suffered a historic 7-1 defeat to Germany in the semi-finals, a result driven by hysteria and misplaced faith in a single player.
Ancelotti's Dilemma: Talent vs. Form
Neymar's recent form does not justify selection. He has started only 27 league games in three years and managed just 682 minutes this season before a calf injury. Ancelotti's decision appears to be a leap of faith, driven by political pressure from the Brazilian football federation and public demand. This mirrors past instances where Neymar was used as a tool for others' ambitions, from Barcelona's treble to PSG's Qatari investment project.
A Final Chance at Redemption
This World Cup is likely Neymar's last opportunity to achieve the greatness expected of him. However, unlike Messi, who entered the 2022 tournament on strong form, Neymar is a shadow of his former self. His selection is a testament to Brazil's enduring need for a messianic figure, a burden that has defined his career and may ultimately define his legacy.
