Brazilian President Lula jokes about 'signing Messi' for Brazil
Neymar rejoins training after calf injury but debut timeline remains unclear
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva joked on Wednesday (17 June) that he was considering signing Argentina's Lionel Messi for Brazil, after the five-time world champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco in their World Cup opener.
"I was thinking about signing Messi to play for Brazil," Lula said, laughing, when journalists asked him about his country's showing at the tournament, reports AFP.
The quip came a day after Messi scored three goals for Argentina against Algeria, putting Brazil's rivals in sharp contrast to the Seleçao's stuttering start.
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Lula, however, played down the result, saying it was not a "big deal" for Brazil to draw with Morocco, which he described as their toughest opponent in the group.
"They say that whenever Brazil is heavily doubted, they win the World Cup... let's see," he added.
The draw exposed several frailties in Brazil's game, with much of the attention now turning to Neymar, 34, who was included in the squad after a near three-year absence due to injury and poor form. Brazil's all-time record scorer rejoined team training on Wednesday for light activity after suffering a calf injury last month.
"Did you miss me?" Neymar shouted with a laugh to journalists as he joined his teammates on the pitch.
It remains unclear when he will make his debut at the competition. Brazil faces Haiti on Friday.
