Rio Olympics 2016: Neymar could quit Brazil national team like Lionel Messi did Argentina, warns Samba Boys boss
NEYMAR could quit the Brazil national team like Lionel Messi did Argentina, the country's football boss has warned.
Rogerio Micale has urged fans of the Olympics hosts to get behind their star player as they face a must-win game against Denmark.
Just like in the 2014 World Cup, the Samba Boys run the risk of an embarrassing elimination and need victory just to have the chance of a medal of any colour.
Neymar has been blasted for his poor play and lack of leadership.
But Micale said he deserves respect and may question his desire to play for his country more should he not get it.
The Brazil coach said: "If we don't respect our players, they might not want to be with us anymore.
"Neymar will become the best player in the world, we need to respect him.
"He is young. I know that at times he behaves in a way that we may not like, but at his age, wouldn't we do the same things he does, having everything that he has?"
Brazil have been held to goalless draws against Iraq and South Africa and could go out in the group stage.
Two years ago they were thrashed by Germany 7-1 in the World Cup semi-final.
Argentina star Lionel Messi turned his back on the national side after defeat in the Copa America final.
Now there are concerns Neymar could go the same way - especially after one young fan scribbled out the Barcelona star's name from his shirt and in its place wrote Marta, the Brazil women's legend who has been in top form.
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Micale added: "They are two great Brazilian players.
"Neymar is a young 24-year-old who still hasn't fully matured.
"Generally a player will peak at 28, physically and mentally. Neymar has had to deal with the pressure of being a leader since he was 17 years old."
And midfielder Renato Augusto added that being booed has affected Neymar.
He said: "He remains confident, but he is not happy with what has been happening."