Neymar has shared the emotional messages he sent to his Brazilian team-mates after their shock World Cup exit to Croatia in an attempt to fight off claims of a squad split.
Brazil lost 4-2 on penalties in Qatar after their clash with Croatia ended 1-1 after extra time, with Marquinhos and Rodrygo missing decisive spot kicks.
And Neymar, who scored in extra time to put the forward level with Pele on 77 goals as Brazil's all-time record goalscorer, shared the interactions he had with Marquinhos, Rodrygo and veteran Thiago Silva following their elimination - despite not having their permission.
Neymar has been vocal on social media since Brazil were dumped out. At the weekend he posted an emotional message, which said he was psychologically destroyed by the defeat to Croatia, and had previously hit back at critics of Tite by saying 'don't talk s***'.
Neymar explained on his Instagram story: 'The decision to reveal the chats (without permission) was made to show how much we wanted (to win the World Cup) and how united we were.'
Sharing the private WhatsApp chat on his Instagram story, he said: 'How are you? I am here to tell you I am your fan. One penalty won't change how I feel about you. I am always with you and you know that, I love you.'
Marquinhos responded: 'Hey brother, I’ve been improving little by little, just giving time to recover from all this! And you? How are you? Thank you for the message and for thinking about me man, you are so amazing, I wanted everything to go well.
'It sucks to think that penalty was an obstacle in our dream! But let’s move forward, we have to be strong, let time pass and see what football has awaiting for us.'
Neymar then responded: 'That's my exact thinking, give time… more than anyone I know that EVERYTHING PASSES, good moments and bad...
'Stay strong, enjoy your family and remember that I’m not just a companion but a friend and I want you feeling well, I love you and we move on together.'
Marquinhos clearly appreciated the well wishes from his team-mate, and highlighted his admiration for Neymar. He continued: 'That’s true brother, only we know what we went through to get here, what we faced in all the days, and that’s why it hurts so much.
'The pain is strong but God knows what he is doing; if he gave me this to face, it is because he knows I’m strong enough to overcome it. You are amazing man, seriously! I am your fan, thank you, stay well too, we will need each other in the upcoming battles, I love you so much.'
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