Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado taunted Neymar following Brazil’s 1-2 defeat to Belgium in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Brazil, who defeated Mexico 2-0 in the last-16 to knock them out of the World Cup, were given a similar treatment by Belgium who sailed into the semi-finals for just the second time in history.
The clash between Brazil and Mexico was a fiesty affair, with Mexican players committing several fouls on Neymar. But Brazil eventually came out victorious, with Neymar scoring ine and assisting another in the 2-0 win.
He was also chosen the Hero of the match, following his brilliance on the field and that is when the PSG star mocked ‘El Tri’ saying, “They talked too much, and now they are going home.”
Tensions between the two sides however did not end there, as Mexico star Layun criticised Neymar back over his theatrics on the field, telling reporters: “This is football. If he does not want to be touched he should try doing something else. He is more concerned about being on the floor. If he wants to lie down, he should go home and sleep.”
But Brazil too couldn’t go any further in the tournament, after being undone by Belgium who were given a goal when Fernandinho score an own goal in the 13th minute before Kevin de Bruyne sealed the win with a sensational strike.
Real Betis playmaker Guardado, who cam up against Neymar several times when the Brazilian was at Barcelona, took to social media in the aftermath of Brazil’s defeat in retaliation to Neymar’s earlier comments.
“And now who is going home?” he wrote in an Instagram story.
Neymar was responsible for just one of Brazil’s nine shots on target as they crashed out against Belgium, leaving him with just two goals to show for his efforts in Russia.
The Selecao boys attempted 26 shots but managed to beat Belgian Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois just once through substitute Renato Augusto who headed a mere consolation goal in the 81st minute.
Belgium will go on to play France in the semi-final, with the winner going on to meet one of Sweden, England, Croatia or Russia.