Neymar masterclass ensured Brazil‘s 4-0 win against Peru in Copa America. The PSG ace also scored a goal in the process and thus took his overall tally to 68 for the national team.
The 29-year-old is only nine goals shy of equalling Brazilian legend Pele‘s record (77), and he couldn’t contain his emotion as he is closing in on becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer. Neymar not only scored a goal, his dazzling display and matured leadership made all the difference on pitch.
After the match, Neymar said: It’s moving for me [to get closer to Pele’s record]; I’ve been through a lot these last two years. These [goal] numbers are nothing more than my joy of playing for Brazil, representing my country, my family. We’re all going through a very atypical moment, a very hard moment in Brazil and elsewhere.
“To be a role model for someone, to make people happy, it gives me joy. I love the story that I’m writing here, and I want my family and friends to be proud. I hope everyone who loves this game are proud of me, because these numbers don’t really mean anything, only the pride of representing Brazil.”
The legendary Pele also reciprocated that he would be backing the former Barcelona star to become Brazil’s leading scorer.
Pele said: “Every time I see this boy, he is smiling. It’s impossible not to smile back. It is contagious.
“I, like all Brazilians, am always happy when I see him playing. Today, he took another step towards my goalscoring record for the Selecao. And I’m rooting for him to get there, with the same joy I’ve had since I saw him play for the first time.”
Neymar has been off to a flying start in Copa America, helping Brazil win two out of their two games so far.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar will look to end the season on a high note by winning silverware for his national team.
Tite’s side, who are the favourites to win the title, will face Colombia in their next group stage game.
