JAKARTA - Neymar admitted that he was "psychologically destroyed" as a result of Brazil's elimination from the World Cup in a penalty shootout defeat to Croatia and admitting it was more painful than any other defeat in his career.
The 30-year-old scored in an incredible effort against Croatia to match Pele's 77-goal productivity record for Selecao in Friday's 1-1 game after that extra time.
However, Neymar did not have time to take a penalty in a penalty shootout which Croatia won 4-2 in the quarter-finals of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Brazil, which was originally favorite in the world football event, now has to wait at least four more years to win their sixth World Cup. The last time they held the trophy was in 2002.
"I am psychologically destroyed. This is really the most painful defeat that left me paralyzed for ten minutes after the match, after which I cried without being able to stop," Neymar said in an Instagram message, Saturday night, quoted from Antara, Sunday, December 11.
"It will hurt for a very long time, unfortunately," he added.
Not long after Brazil was eliminated Neymar said he may have played his final game for his country - but Pele urged him to "continue to inspire us".
The 82-year-old said on Instagram that he hoped the superstar forward would continue to play, adding that scoring goals was not worth the honor of representing Brazil.
"You know, like me, there is no bigger number than the excitement of representing our country," Pele wrote.
"I am 82 years old, and after all this time, I hope I have inspired you in some ways to get to this far.... Your legacy is far from over."
"Continue to inspire us. I would be very happy with every goal you score, as I have done in every game, I see you on the pitch."
Pele, who was hospitalized earlier this month in colon cancer treatment, congratulated Neymar for equaling his goal record.
"I learned that the more time passed, the more legacy we grew," Pele wrote.
"My record was made almost 50 years ago, and nothing has been able to match it until now. You have succeeded, son. That adds to the greatness of your achievements," said Pele.
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