Brazilian superstar Neymar said he wants Argentina and Lionel Messi to win the World Cup final against Germany.
At an emotional press conference, Neymar broke down in tears as he relived the challenge which broke a vertebrae in his back and left him fearing he would be paralysed.
With Brazil’s dream of winning a sixth World Cup decimated by their 7-1 hammering by Germany, Neymar said he wants Barcelona team-mate Messi to claim the trophy on Sunday against the Germans.
“Messi’s history in the sport is so important, he has won a lot of trophies and I will be cheering for him,” Neymar told a press conference.
“He is a friend, he is my team-mate and I wish him luck.”
Neymar was ruled out of the World Cup in a rugged challenge by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga in the quarter-final that left him with a fractured vertebrae.
The footballer wiped away tears as he described his fears immediately after the knee in the back that he would be paralysed.
“I was blessed in that situation because it wasn’t more serious. Two more centimetres up and, well, I could be in a wheelchair. So it is really difficult.
“It happened at such an important point in my career,” he said.
“It was something I cannot accept. That challenge and what happened was unacceptable,” he added.
“I would not say there was malice because I can’t speak for him, but everyone who understands football knows that challenge was not normal.
“When someone comes from behind I can’t do anything about it. I did not have any control and I ended up being hurt.”
FIFA decided not to take action against Zuniga but Neymar was ruled out of football for several weeks.
Brazil collapsed to defeat against Germany without Neymar and suspended captain Thiago Silva.