Brazilian soccer followers might be set for an exciting spectacle this March, as the potential for Neymar’s return to the nationwide crew edges nearer to actuality. With Brazil set to face Colombia and Argentina within the upcoming 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Neymar’s potential inclusion would mark his long-awaited return to worldwide soccer—and an opportunity to go head-to-head with Lionel Messi in Buenos Aires.
The previous Barcelona teammates haven’t confronted one another on the worldwide stage since 2021, and this extremely anticipated showdown might be set for a dramatic revival. Brazil has struggled in Neymar’s absence, and his return might present the much-needed spark the Seleção has been lacking.
Since making a shock return to his boyhood membership, Santos, the 33-year-old has been on a mission. His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal was tormented by accidents, limiting him to only two appearances all through 2024. Nonetheless, again in acquainted territory, he has rapidly rediscovered his kind, proving that he nonetheless has a lot to supply on the highest degree.
In simply six matches for the Peixe, Neymar has already contributed 5 objective involvements—two objectives and three assists—whereas surpassing the overall minutes he performed in Saudi Arabia. His most up-to-date efficiency in opposition to Inter de Limeira noticed him produce a spectacular Olimpico objective, additional cementing his case for a Brazil recall.
Brazil in dire want of objectives as teaching employees retains shut eye
The Brazilian nationwide crew teaching employees is claimed to has been following Neymar’s progress intently. In his debut match in opposition to Botafogo, assistant coach Lucas Silvestre was current at Vila Belmiro to evaluate his efficiency. Head coach Dorival Junior and his assistants have remained in fixed contact with Santos, monitoring the veteran’s bodily situation and match health.
In response to Globoesporte, Dorival has already made plans to incorporate Neymar in Brazil’s squad for the qualifiers in opposition to Colombia (March 21) and Argentina (March 26). The coach even attended a Santos’ conflict in opposition to Noroeste match in individual to judge Neymar’s sharpness and motion on the pitch.
Brazil has confronted important struggles in Neymar’s absence. Regardless of boasting attacking skills like Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Raphinha, the crew has lacked creativity and cutting-edge ending. The Seleção completed 2024 in disappointing style, successful simply three of their final six World Cup Qualifiers and struggling an early 2024 Copa America exit.
Their attacking struggles had been evident of their underwhelming performances in opposition to Paraguay, Venezuela, and Uruguay, scoring simply two objectives in these three matches. With Neymar as Brazil’s all-time main goalscorer (79 objectives in 128 appearances), his return would offer the crew with a world-class finisher and playmaker to reinvigorate their assault.
Potential Neymar vs Messi duel
If Neymar receives the call-up as anticipated, his return would arrange a mouthwatering conflict with Lionel Messi when Brazil travels to face Argentina in Buenos Aires on March 26. This might be the Brazilian’s first look for his nationwide crew since his damage in October 2023, when he suffered a severe knee damage in opposition to Uruguay in a 2-0 defeat.
A Brazil vs Argentina match all the time carries historic weight, however the added narrative of Messi going through off in opposition to Neymar—two of soccer’s largest icons—would make it an unmissable spectacle.
