“Shut up” - Neymar hits out at fan who claimed Ronaldinho was right to criticise Brazil

Neymar Jr has reportedly lashed out at an Instagram user for claiming Ronaldinho's statements about the current Brazil team were right. The comment came after the Brazilians drew 0-0 against Costa Rica in their Copa America 2024 opening match on June 24.

In a comment on an Instagram post, a user with the handle 'cosmesalles' claimed Ronaldinho was right. He was referring to the former player's comments criticizing the current Brazilian squad ahead of the Copa America 2024.

In response, Neymar asked him to shut up, defending his team.

Cosmesalles: Ronaldinho Gaucho esta certo [Ronaldinho was right]

Neymarjr: cala a boca [Shut up] (Translated via Instagram)

The screenshots of the same were shared by fans @neycromancer and @GingaBonitoHub on X. However, they didn't reveal the original post under which the Al Hilal star reportedly wrote the comment.

The user's comments referred to Ronaldinho's comments on Instagram on a post dated June 15. He called the Brazilian squad "one of the worst teams in recent years" and said he would not be watching or supporting them in the Copa America.

"This is a sad moment for those who love Brazilian soccer. It's getting hard to find the spirit to watch the games. This is perhaps one of the worst teams in recent years, it has no respectable leaders, only average players for the majority," he wrote.

"I will not watch any CONMEBOL Copa AmericaTM game, nor celebrate any victory," he added.

Although the Brazilian legend later revealed that he shared the message to bring more support to the team, fans don't seem to have forgotten his comment. The Selecao's unexpectedly underwhelming performance in their opening match reminded netizens of Ronaldinho's thoughts.

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Neymar shares inspiring message for Brazil teammates following 0-0 draw in Copa America

Neymar was unable to be a part of the Selecao squad for the Copa America this summer due to his ACL injury. He was still present in the stands at SoFi Stadium to cheer for his team. However, they delivered a shockingly underwhelming performance against Costa Rica, leading to a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture.

After the match, the Al Hilal star took to Instagram to share a motivating message for his teammates. He mentioned that being judged every moment is part and parcel of being a footballer and sometimes things don't go as planned.

"Being a football player means being judged the whole time, with every pass, every kick, every choice... and the why of it all? Because ALL Brazilians wanted to be a player of the national team, everyone dreamed, everyone tried .. And that's why those who are outside think they know more than what's inside and that's normal," he wrote.

Neymar also related himself to the emotions of a fan, explaining how he felt like one of the supporters while cheering for his team during the Copa America. However, while he felt hurt by the team's performance he mentioned he would never "cross the line" by commenting about things going on within the squad.

"And today I experienced the supporting side, full of anguish, feeling that the goal would go out, chills but I will NEVER cross the line off the field. The game is over, we move on, let's train and improve for the next game," he added.

He sent his love and wishes to the Selecao fans and urged them to keep their faith in the team. Neymar's message was to focus on the next game, move on and improve.

The Selecao will face Paraguay in their next Copa America fixture on June 28 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.