Neymar's World Cup participation sparks remote work joke from Brazil's President Lula

This comment came as Neymar, Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 goals, only recently returned to training with the squad at the World Cup in the United States after recovering from a calf injury. The 34-year-old missed Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco and was also omitted from the squad for their second group game against Haiti. Lula, 80, made the joke during a ceremony in Belo Horizonte, further quipping that Neymar "is not even playing!"

Neymar, who has not played for his country since October 2023, trained with teammates for the first time on Wednesday. He was diagnosed with a right calf injury in late May and has played in only half of his club Santos's games this year due to various fitness issues. Coach Carlo Ancelotti and his staff are reportedly cautious about rushing his return to ensure his availability for later tournament matches.

Neymar's inclusion in the squad was a surprise to some given his recent injury history. Brazil's final group stage game is against Scotland in Miami on June 24.