Brazil President Jokes About Recruiting Messi After Unsteady World Cup Start

On Wednesday, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joked that Brazil could recruit Argentina’s Lionel Messi when reporters asked about the national team’s World Cup performance.

Brazil, the five‑time world champions, were held to a 1‑1 draw by Morocco in their opening match, exposing several weaknesses.

Argentina, Brazil’s fiercest rival, performed better, with Messi netting three goals against Algeria on Tuesday.

When reporters asked about Brazil’s World Cup showing, Lula laughed and said, “I was thinking about signing Messi to play for Brazil.”

He added that a draw with Morocco was not a “big deal,” describing the North African side as Brazil’s toughest group opponent.

“They say that whenever Brazil is heavily doubted, they win the World Cup… let’s see.”

Brazil faces Haiti on Friday.

Neymar, 34, has attracted attention after being recalled to the squad following a nearly three‑year hiatus caused by injuries and a dip in form.

The record scorer returned to a training session on Wednesday, his first since sustaining a calf injury last month.

Neymar laughed and shouted to reporters, “Did you miss me?” as he joined the squad on the pitch for light activity.

The date of his debut in the tournament remains uncertain.

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