DHAKA: Brazilian superstar Neymar said he wants Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi to lead Argentina to victory in the World Cup final against Germany.

He said it at an emotional press conference on Thursday.

With Brazil's dream of winning a sixth World Cup decimated by their 7-1 hammering by Germany, Neymar said he wants Barcelona teammate 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 teammate and I wish him luck."

Neymar returned to Brazil's training camp in Teresopolis for the first time since the incident on Thursday in a bid to lift his teammates' spirits after their humiliation at the hands of Germany.

Despite not being able to take part himself, he urged the rest of the Brazil squad to at least salvage some pride against the Netherlands in their third-place playoff on Saturday.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald 

BDST: 1036 HRS, JUL 11, 2014