Ataque futbolero

President Luiz In: Brazil star Neymar has found himself at the centre of a growing World Cup controversy after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva publicly mocked the forward's continued absence from the national team, adding fuel to an already heated debate over his inclusion in the squad.

With Brazil getting ready for their second Group C match against Haiti, the 34-year-old remains out as he heals from a grade two calf injury he sustained while playing for Santos on May 17. His absence was noticeable during Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti's team struggled to find clear scoring chances and missed the attacking spark that Neymar has brought throughout his international career.

This situation prompted an unusual comment from the Brazilian president on Friday. “Neymar isn't even playing, dude,” Lula said in Portuguese, according to Ataque Futbolero. “I saw something yesterday. Neymar is the first player in the world called up for remote work.”