Is Neymar’s absence the reason Brazil were knocked out of the Copa America?
Barcelona star has been schmoozing American celebs while his national team-mates were dumped out of the competition
BRAZIL'S famous yellow shirts had were filled by players with red faces on Sunday night as they were dumped out of the Copa America.
The five-time world champions were beaten 1-0 by underdogs Peru thanks to a controversial late goal, resulting in an embarrassing elimination from the 100th anniversary edition of the Copa America.
Not only that, but it was Peru's first win over Brazil since 1985 — and they had only needed a draw to go through.
One notable absentee from the side this tournament has been their star player, Neymar.
The Barcelona forward has seemed more interested his schmoozing with Hollywood's biggest celebrities, grabbing selfies with the VIPs and hiring a £7,097-a-night mansion on Airbnb.
The plan for Neymar has been to skip the Copa and instead play at the Rio Olympics, where Brazil are the host nation, where he will hope to go one better than a silver medal picked up in 2012.
After Barcelona celebrated winning the La Liga title, Neymar has been jet-setting to Ibiza, New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
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And there has been no shortage of socialising in the process — with the likes of Justin Bieber, Calvin Harris, Michael Jordan, Lewis Hamilton and Steph Curry all meeting up with the 46-goal Brazil star.
He has also been snapped on Instagram by Las Vegas socialite Danielle Perry at a poolside party, leaving no doubt as to his enjoyment of his holiday.
It makes you wonder if Brazil coach Carlos Dunga has got his priorities wrong over not calling-up Neymar.
Surely a forward as good as he is would have worked wonders playing in the Copa America — a more prestigious competition than the Olympics.
It is understood Barcelona put their foot down and demanded he did not play in both competitions, to keep him fresh for the next La Liga season.
Brazil started the competition off in disappointing fashion, as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Ecuador in the opening group game.
They then went on to beat Haiti 7-1 before last night's shock loss to Peru saw them condemned to an early exit.
His own absence cannot have been far from Neymar's mind either the 24-year-old posted a heart-felt response after the Peru defeat.
He said: "Nobody knows what you suffer to be there and defend the selection, wearing this shirt is for pride and you do it with LOVE.
"Now will appear a lot of a**hole talk, s**t, f**k ... but this is part of football."