Brazil striker Neymar limped out of their 1-0 friendly win over Cameroon on Tuesday but later calmed fears his injury might be serious with a message confirming the problem was not something he was unduly concerned about.

The Paris St-Germain player was substituted after tweaking his groin as he shot at goal with seven minutes gone in the international match at Milton Keynes in England.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told reporters that while a scan was needed to confirm the exact diagnosis, he did not think the injury to Neymar's adductor muscle would keep him out long and Neymar confirmed that early diagnosis.

"Thanks to everyone who sent me messages wishing me a quick recovery, I don't think it's anything serious," Neymar wrote on Instagram.

Brazil went on to win the match with Neymar's replacement Richarlison scoring the only goal of the game a minute before halftime.

It took Brazil's record since the World Cup to six wins in six games with six clean sheets.

"We ended the year happy with the work we've done up until now, these last games were important to help us recover after the setback that was the World Cup," Neymar added.

"We remain strong, focused and looking to always get better."

Neymar's injury was not the only concern for PSG on Tuesday with his club strike partner Kylian Mbappe also withdrawn before halftime in France's 1-0 friendly win against Uruguay.

The forward fell awkwardly on his right shoulder after a challenge from Uruguay goalkeeper Marin Campana.

Brazil striker Neymar limped out of their 1-0 friendly win over Cameroon on Tuesday but later calmed fears his injury might be serious with a message confirming the problem was not something he was unduly concerned about.

Brazil striker Neymar limped out of their 1-0 friendly win over Cameroon on Tuesday but later calmed fears his injury might be serious with a message confirming the problem was not something he was unduly concerned about. The Paris St-Germain player was substituted after tweaking his groin as he shot at goal with seven minutes gone in the international match at Milton Keynes in England. Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told reporters that while a scan was needed to confirm the exact diagnosis, he did not think the injury to Neymar's adductor muscle would keep him out long and Neymar confirmed that early diagnosis. "Thanks to everyone who sent me messages wishing me a quick recovery, I don't think it's anything serious," Neymar wrote on Instagram. Brazil went on to win the match with Neymar's replacement Richarlison scoring the only goal of the game a minute before halftime. It took Brazil's record since the World Cup to six wins in six games with six clean sheets. "We ended the year happy with the work we've done up until now, these last games were important to help us recover after the setback that was the World Cup," Neymar added. "We remain strong, focused and looking to always get better." Neymar's injury was not the only concern for PSG on Tuesday with his club strike partner Kylian Mbappe also withdrawn before halftime in France's 1-0 friendly win against Uruguay. The forward fell awkwardly on his right shoulder after a challenge from Uruguay goalkeeper Marin Campana.

Brazil's Neymar says injury not serious

A stoppage-time goal from Miranda gave Brazil a 1-0 win over South American rivals Argentina in a foul-strewn friendly in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

The central defender rose at the near post to beat Argentina keeper Sergio Romero to a&nbsp;Neymar corner and head home the winner, deciding a game that was set to go to penalties to determine a winner.

"Scoring a goal against Argentina is always gratifying and always exciting," Miranda said.

Argentina are one of only two teams to have beaten Brazil since Tite took over as coach in 2016, but without Lionel Messi, who is taking a sabbatical from international football, they rarely troubled their neighbours in a derby match dubbed the Superclasico.

The game was played in the heat of the King Abdullah Sports City and the conditions contributed to a stop-start encounter that included 35 fouls, 21 of them awarded to Brazil.

Miranda should have put Brazil 1-0 up in the 28th minute when a Casemiro cross fell to him just metres from goal, but his scuffed shot was blocked on the line by Nicolas Otamendi.

Paulo Dybala went close with a swerving free kick for Argentina from just outside the box a minute later and Leandro Paredes watched a long-range effort drift just wide early in the second half.

Argentina improved considerably after the break, but Brazil still had the better chances, with Romero parrying away a fierce volley from Arthur after 70 minutes and Casemiro almost grabbing the winner with seven minutes left only to see his deflected free-kick curl wide.

"The team felt tired in the second half but I think we dominated our opponents, we played well and we got the goal at the end," said Brazil's Filipe Luis.

"Obviously our team is better than theirs, we have maintained the same squad for years and they are in the process of renewal, but you don't notice that so much in a clasico, what you do notice is their fight," the Atletico Madrid defender added. "But I think we deserved to win."

The defeat was the first in four games for Lionel Scaloni, the interim coach who replaced Jorge Sampaoli after the Russia World Cup.

It extends Brazil's run to four wins in four games since they were knocked out the World Cup in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

A stoppage-time goal from Miranda gave Brazil a 1-0 win over South American rivals Argentina in a foul-strewn friendly in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The central defender rose at the near post to beat Argentina keeper Sergio Romero to a Neymar corner and head home the winner, deciding a game that was set to go to penalties to determine a winner.

A stoppage-time goal from Miranda gave Brazil a 1-0 win over South American rivals Argentina in a foul-strewn friendly in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The central defender rose at the near post to beat Argentina keeper Sergio Romero to a Neymar corner and head home the winner, deciding a game that was set to go to penalties to determine a winner. "Scoring a goal against Argentina is always gratifying and always exciting," Miranda said. Argentina are one of only two teams to have beaten Brazil since Tite took over as coach in 2016, but without Lionel Messi, who is taking a sabbatical from international football, they rarely troubled their neighbours in a derby match dubbed the Superclasico. The game was played in the heat of the King Abdullah Sports City and the conditions contributed to a stop-start encounter that included 35 fouls, 21 of them awarded to Brazil. Miranda should have put Brazil 1-0 up in the 28th minute when a Casemiro cross fell to him just metres from goal, but his scuffed shot was blocked on the line by Nicolas Otamendi. Paulo Dybala went close with a swerving free kick for Argentina from just outside the box a minute later and Leandro Paredes watched a long-range effort drift just wide early in the second half. Argentina improved considerably after the break, but Brazil still had the better chances, with Romero parrying away a fierce volley from Arthur after 70 minutes and Casemiro almost grabbing the winner with seven minutes left only to see his deflected free-kick curl wide. "The team felt tired in the second half but I think we dominated our opponents, we played well and we got the goal at the end," said Brazil's Filipe Luis. "Obviously our team is better than theirs, we have maintained the same squad for years and they are in the process of renewal, but you don't notice that so much in a clasico, what you do notice is their fight," the Atletico Madrid defender added. "But I think we deserved to win." The defeat was the first in four games for Lionel Scaloni, the interim coach who replaced Jorge Sampaoli after the Russia World Cup. It extends Brazil's run to four wins in four games since they were knocked out the World Cup in the quarter-finals by Belgium.

Miranda heads late winner as Brazil beat Argentina 1-0 in friendly

Brazil's Neymar spoke about his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi's absence from the Argentina squad as the South American soccer rivals Argentina and Brazil are gearing up for Tuesday's friendly match at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City.

Argentina's missing captain Lionel Messi and three other stars: Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina is trying out different combinations.

He said Messi's absence is not good for the football lovers. "I think it is bad for football lovers to not have (Lionel) Messi, a great legend, out of a game like this," said Neymar.

He then added, "But for us is good (smiles). But I insist to reinforce the quality of Argentina, the quality of players that are there today."

"We know it will be a very tough match. We must do our part and a derby like this is always great to play."

He then talked about whether Brazil is favourite or not, "There's no such thing as favoritism between Brazil and Argentina. It is a derby where I am sure it will be great to watch by everyone who appreciates football," concluded Neymar.

The match against Argentina will be Brazil's fourth friendly since they lost to Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Brazilian side also beat the United States and El Salvador last Friday and will have superstar Neymar as permanent team captain.

Probable lineups:

Argentina: Sergio Romero; Renzo Saravia, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Santiago Ascacibar; Eduardo Salvio, Maximiliano Meza, Angel Correa; Mauro Icardi.

Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Miranda, Filipe Luis; Casemiro; Arthur, Renato Augusto; Philippe Coutinho, Neymar, Roberto Firmino.

Brazil's Neymar spoke about his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi's absence from the Argentina squad as the South American soccer rivals Argentina and Brazil are gearing up for Tuesday's friendly match at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City.

Brazil's Neymar spoke about his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi's absence from the Argentina squad as the South American soccer rivals Argentina and Brazil are gearing up for Tuesday's friendly match at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City. Argentina's missing captain Lionel Messi and three other stars: Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina is trying out different combinations. He said Messi's absence is not good for the football lovers. "I think it is bad for football lovers to not have (Lionel) Messi, a great legend, out of a game like this," said Neymar. He then added, "But for us is good (smiles). But I insist to reinforce the quality of Argentina, the quality of players that are there today." "We know it will be a very tough match. We must do our part and a derby like this is always great to play." He then talked about whether Brazil is favourite or not, "There's no such thing as favoritism between Brazil and Argentina. It is a derby where I am sure it will be great to watch by everyone who appreciates football," concluded Neymar. The match against Argentina will be Brazil's fourth friendly since they lost to Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals. The Brazilian side also beat the United States and El Salvador last Friday and will have superstar Neymar as permanent team captain. Probable lineups: Argentina: Sergio Romero; Renzo Saravia, Nicolas Otamendi, German Pezzella, Nicolas Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Santiago Ascacibar; Eduardo Salvio, Maximiliano Meza, Angel Correa; Mauro Icardi. Brazil: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Miranda, Filipe Luis; Casemiro; Arthur, Renato Augusto; Philippe Coutinho, Neymar, Roberto Firmino.

Brazil vs Argentina: South American football rivals gear up for friendly battle

Brazil captain Neymar said on Monday that Argentina will still be a difficult opponent, despite the absence of Lionel Messi for their friendly on Tuesday (October 16).

Messi is taking a sabbatical from international&nbsp;football, following Argentina's disappointing World Cup.

The match will be played at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

Neymar said the Argentina team is full of good players, and Messi isn't the only one.

Brazil's coach Tite said he hopes the crowd will get behind his players.

Brazil captain Neymar said on Monday that Argentina will still be a difficult opponent, despite the absence of Lionel Messi for their friendly on Tuesday (October 16).

Brazil captain Neymar said on Monday that Argentina will still be a difficult opponent, despite the absence of Lionel Messi for their friendly on Tuesday (October 16). Messi is taking a sabbatical from international football, following Argentina's disappointing World Cup. The match will be played at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City Stadium. Neymar said the Argentina team is full of good players, and Messi isn't the only one. Brazil's coach Tite said he hopes the crowd will get behind his players.

Argentina will be difficult opponent despite Messi's absence, says Neymar

Paris St Germain stretched their perfect Ligue 1 start to six wins after coming from behind to beat Rennes 3-1 away in a rip-roaring clash on Sunday.&nbsp;

The result left PSG top of the French league on a maximum 18 points, five clear of second-placed Lille, after Angel Di Maria and Thomas Meunier cancelled out an early Adrian Rabiot own goal which fired the adventurous home side ahead.&nbsp;

Second half substitute Eric Choupo-Moting added the third in the closing stages for the visitors, who rebounded from a 3-2 Champions League defeat by Liverpool on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Roared on by their vocal fans, Rennes twice went close before they stunned the more fancied visitors in the 11th minute when towering striker Mbaye Niang glanced on an inswinging corner which cannoned into the net off Rabiot.

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🆕📷✊ Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting celebrates his first goal for PSG!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRFCPSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRFCPSG</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVQ7flOZNp">pic.twitter.com/iVQ7flOZNp</a>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1043881348451258369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The visitors quickly regained their composure and levelled on the stroke of halftime thanks to a superb Di Maria strike, the Argentina midfielder unleashing a low shot after Edinson Cavani's clever dummy from a Julian Draxler cut-back.

PSG continued to pile on the pressure after the break, with Cavani hitting the post and Rennes twice clearing off the line in a frantic goalmouth scramble before Meunier turned the match on its head with a fine finish.&nbsp;

The Belgium international drilled his shot from just inside the penalty area into the bottom right corner of the net after a defence-splitting pass from Neymar, who came to life after a quiet opening half.

Rennes threw men forward in search of an equaliser and were punished after Choupo-Moting volleyed home from close range to put the icing on the cake for PSG.&nbsp;

Stoppage time drew a warm round of applause from the home crowd when a schoolboy fan got past security stewards to embrace Neymar, as the Brazil forward gifted him his jersey before ushering the tearful youngster off the pitch.

Paris St Germain stretched their perfect Ligue 1 start to six wins after coming from behind to beat Rennes 3-1 away in a rip-roaring clash on Sunday. The result left PSG top of the French league on a maximum 18 points, five clear of second-placed Lille, after Angel Di Maria and Thomas Meunier cancelled out an early Adrian Rabiot own goal which fired the adventurous home side ahead.

Paris St Germain stretched their perfect Ligue 1 start to six wins after coming from behind to beat Rennes 3-1 away in a rip-roaring clash on Sunday. The result left PSG top of the French league on a maximum 18 points, five clear of second-placed Lille, after Angel Di Maria and Thomas Meunier cancelled out an early Adrian Rabiot own goal which fired the adventurous home side ahead. Second half substitute Eric Choupo-Moting added the third in the closing stages for the visitors, who rebounded from a 3-2 Champions League defeat by Liverpool on Tuesday. Roared on by their vocal fans, Rennes twice went close before they stunned the more fancied visitors in the 11th minute when towering striker Mbaye Niang glanced on an inswinging corner which cannoned into the net off Rabiot. 🆕📷✊ Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting celebrates his first goal for PSG!!! #SRFCPSG pic.twitter.com/iVQ7flOZNp — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 23, 2018 × The visitors quickly regained their composure and levelled on the stroke of halftime thanks to a superb Di Maria strike, the Argentina midfielder unleashing a low shot after Edinson Cavani's clever dummy from a Julian Draxler cut-back. PSG continued to pile on the pressure after the break, with Cavani hitting the post and Rennes twice clearing off the line in a frantic goalmouth scramble before Meunier turned the match on its head with a fine finish. The Belgium international drilled his shot from just inside the penalty area into the bottom right corner of the net after a defence-splitting pass from Neymar, who came to life after a quiet opening half. Rennes threw men forward in search of an equaliser and were punished after Choupo-Moting volleyed home from close range to put the icing on the cake for PSG. Stoppage time drew a warm round of applause from the home crowd when a schoolboy fan got past security stewards to embrace Neymar, as the Brazil forward gifted him his jersey before ushering the tearful youngster off the pitch.

PSG fight back to maintain perfect start with 3-1 win at Rennes

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has turned 26 on Tuesday and received an "eggy" birthday bash. The birthday boy was enjoying on the pitch on a bright sunny day when he was pranked by his waiting teammates.

He is currently training in Russia ahead of the World Cup with his teammates.

Brazil striker Neymar Jr pelted eggs on Coutinho's head and wished him "Happy Birthday" in the most hilarious way possible.

Watch how the video, how Philippe Coutinho celebrated his 26th birthday with teammates:

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Happy 26th birthday to <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a>! ???? <a href="https://t.co/35L7nSlxHF">pic.twitter.com/35L7nSlxHF</a>
— Barça World (@oOBarcaWorldOo) <a href="https://twitter.com/oOBarcaWorldOo/status/1006530981325606914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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? Brazil ?? celebrates <a href="https://twitter.com/Phil_Coutinho?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Phil_Coutinho</a> ‘s birthday by covering him in ?, ? and ? <a href="https://twitter.com/CBF_Futebol?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CBF_Futebol</a> <a href="https://t.co/ta85SZybDt">pic.twitter.com/ta85SZybDt</a>
— 433 (@official433) <a href="https://twitter.com/official433/status/1006545509098586112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He was also targeted by Marcelo, Willian and Gabriel Jesus. They poured water also to blow up the celebration.

Brazil arrived in Russia on Sunday as they make their final preparations ahead of their opening World Cup match against Switzerland on Sunday.

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has turned 26 and received an "eggy" birthday bash

Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho has turned 26 on Tuesday and received an "eggy" birthday bash. The birthday boy was enjoying on the pitch on a bright sunny day when he was pranked by his waiting teammates. He is currently training in Russia ahead of the World Cup with his teammates. Brazil striker Neymar Jr pelted eggs on Coutinho's head and wished him "Happy Birthday" in the most hilarious way possible. Watch how the video, how Philippe Coutinho celebrated his 26th birthday with teammates: Happy 26th birthday to @Phil_Coutinho! ???? pic.twitter.com/35L7nSlxHF — Barça World (@oOBarcaWorldOo) June 12, 2018 × ? Brazil ?? celebrates @Phil_Coutinho ‘s birthday by covering him in ?, ? and ? @CBF_Futebol pic.twitter.com/ta85SZybDt — 433 (@official433) June 12, 2018 × He was also targeted by Marcelo, Willian and Gabriel Jesus. They poured water also to blow up the celebration. Brazil arrived in Russia on Sunday as they make their final preparations ahead of their opening World Cup match against Switzerland on Sunday.

Watch: Neymar's prank on Philippe Coutinho as he turns 26

Neymar on Sunday started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Seleçao's final pre-World Cup friendly. 
 
During the final test ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Russia on June 14, Brazilian national team coach Tite relied on two defensive midfielders, Barcelona's Paulinho and Real Madrid's Casemiro, with Philippe Coutinho as playmaker. 
 
The Brazilian national team exerted its main pressure on the left side, as the duo of Neymar and Coutinho proved once again to be the key to the team's playmaking. 
 
Eight minutes into the game, Casemiro threatened goaltender Heinz Lindner by firing a powerful shot that went just slightly wide shortly before Neymar unsuccessfully tried his luck with a shot from long range. 
 
The hosts, however, reacted with David Alaba several times moving the ball in behind the Brazilian defense, which clearly displayed some weaknesses. 
 
Posing a danger for the first time, Austria's Alessandro Schopf collected a rebound ball but then sent it off target, while Marko Arnautovic fired high minutes later. 
 
After a few good minutes for Austria, Brazil made an effort to seize full control of the game during the last third of the first half. 
 
Thiago Silva squandered a golden scoring chance with a header on a Neymar corner. 
 
And finally, Brazil got onto the scoreboard as Gabriel Jesus collected a rebound ball, sending it home in the 36th minute. 
 
After the intermission, Brazil's momentum continued as it took advantage of the physical ebb experienced by the Austrians. 
 
The European squad, which had won its previous seven matches, seemed to take the game too seriously for a friendly. 
 
Brazil managed to create for itself the space in which it thrives and doubled the score as Willian assisted Neymar, who dribbled past a defender before putting the ball between Lindner's legs. 
 
Six minutes later, Coutinho took advantage of the space he was offered during a left side counterattack to run with the ball, firing his team's third goal.

Neymar started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Selecao's final pre-World Cup friendly

Neymar on Sunday started and led Brazil to a 3-0 win over Austria in the Seleçao's final pre-World Cup friendly. During the final test ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in Russia on June 14, Brazilian national team coach Tite relied on two defensive midfielders, Barcelona's Paulinho and Real Madrid's Casemiro, with Philippe Coutinho as playmaker. The Brazilian national team exerted its main pressure on the left side, as the duo of Neymar and Coutinho proved once again to be the key to the team's playmaking. Eight minutes into the game, Casemiro threatened goaltender Heinz Lindner by firing a powerful shot that went just slightly wide shortly before Neymar unsuccessfully tried his luck with a shot from long range. The hosts, however, reacted with David Alaba several times moving the ball in behind the Brazilian defense, which clearly displayed some weaknesses. Posing a danger for the first time, Austria's Alessandro Schopf collected a rebound ball but then sent it off target, while Marko Arnautovic fired high minutes later. After a few good minutes for Austria, Brazil made an effort to seize full control of the game during the last third of the first half. Thiago Silva squandered a golden scoring chance with a header on a Neymar corner. And finally, Brazil got onto the scoreboard as Gabriel Jesus collected a rebound ball, sending it home in the 36th minute. After the intermission, Brazil's momentum continued as it took advantage of the physical ebb experienced by the Austrians. The European squad, which had won its previous seven matches, seemed to take the game too seriously for a friendly. Brazil managed to create for itself the space in which it thrives and doubled the score as Willian assisted Neymar, who dribbled past a defender before putting the ball between Lindner's legs. Six minutes later, Coutinho took advantage of the space he was offered during a left side counterattack to run with the ball, firing his team's third goal.

Neymar, Jesus, Coutinho lead Brazil to 3-0 win over Austria in friendly

Russia&nbsp;is "100 per cent&nbsp;ready" to host the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup,&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;president Gianni&nbsp;Infantino said on Wednesday as he addressed concerns about racism, human rights and security in the host country a week before the tournament begins.

Russia&nbsp;will host the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi and&nbsp;Infantino&nbsp;believes that supporters are in for a real treat.

"I think we can say that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is 100 per cent&nbsp;ready&nbsp;and the whole&nbsp;world&nbsp;will actually see it when we kick off on June 14 with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Saudi Arabia in the Luzhniki Stadium,"&nbsp;Infantino&nbsp;said in a video interview.

"Everyone will be able to witness how beautiful the stadiums are, how welcoming the country is, how the organisation and the preparations will work out. It'll be a great experience."

Russia&nbsp;has faced scrutiny in the lead-up to the tournament over issues including fan and team security as well as racism at matches.

FIFA&nbsp;fined&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;30,000 Swiss francs ($30,422) last month for discriminatory chants by fans after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in St Petersburg in March.

"I wouldn't say that I am concerned about discrimination, human rights or security but obviously we take this very, very seriously and we've taken appropriate measures," he added.

"For the first time we have been checking the construction of stadiums, the sites to make sure conditions for the workers are correct... concrete progress has been made in terms of human rights and the way we deal with human rights questions."

Infantino&nbsp;promised a "safe environment" for fans travelling to the event.

"The&nbsp;Russian authorities are aware of the security situation in such a big event," he said. "They are working very hard to prepare in cooperation with police authorities of all governments in the world... to be fully&nbsp;ready&nbsp;to tackle any potential issue.

"Every fan that is coming to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;will be&nbsp;welcome&nbsp;in a safe environment to celebrate. If anyone is thinking to come to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to create trouble, he better stay home."

Russia will host the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow

Russia is "100 per cent ready" to host the World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday as he addressed concerns about racism, human rights and security in the host country a week before the tournament begins. Russia will host the tournament from June 14 to July 15 in 12 stadiums spread across cities including Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi and Infantino believes that supporters are in for a real treat. "I think we can say that Russia is 100 per cent ready and the whole world will actually see it when we kick off on June 14 with Russia and Saudi Arabia in the Luzhniki Stadium," Infantino said in a video interview. "Everyone will be able to witness how beautiful the stadiums are, how welcoming the country is, how the organisation and the preparations will work out. It'll be a great experience." Russia has faced scrutiny in the lead-up to the tournament over issues including fan and team security as well as racism at matches. FIFA fined Russia 30,000 Swiss francs ($30,422) last month for discriminatory chants by fans after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in St Petersburg in March. "I wouldn't say that I am concerned about discrimination, human rights or security but obviously we take this very, very seriously and we've taken appropriate measures," he added. "For the first time we have been checking the construction of stadiums, the sites to make sure conditions for the workers are correct... concrete progress has been made in terms of human rights and the way we deal with human rights questions." Infantino promised a "safe environment" for fans travelling to the event. "The Russian authorities are aware of the security situation in such a big event," he said. "They are working very hard to prepare in cooperation with police authorities of all governments in the world... to be fully ready to tackle any potential issue. "Every fan that is coming to Russia will be welcome in a safe environment to celebrate. If anyone is thinking to come to Russia to create trouble, he better stay home."

FIFA World Cup: Russia ready to welcome the world, says FIFA chief Gianni Infantino

Football legend Pele, 77, &nbsptoday cast doubts about Brazil's chances in the World Cup saying that former champions still did not have the "right team".

Pele under whom Brazil won three World Cups, said Brazil has individual players but still don't have a team.

"My worry is about one thing there are only a few days until the World Cup starts and we still don't have the right team. Individually all the players are very good. But we're not a team," Pele told newswire Reuters.

Although Brazil has lost just one match in the last two years but haven't exuded&nbspconfidence of a World champion with Neymar still recovering from injury with days away from the World Cup coach Tite's worries have increased.

"I have the utmost confidence in Tite's ability," the Brazilian legend said.

"Neymar is to me&nbspis one of the best players in the world," Pele said. "Today he is more mature and he has more experience but he isn't going to win the World Cup on his own. It’s teams that win the World Cup," he said.

Pele said the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team was the "greatest" asserting that Tostao, Rivellino, Gerson and he himself had spent more than six months together "that's why it worked." 
&nbsp 
Brazil begins their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

Pele said the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team was the "greatest"

Football legend Pele, 77, &nbsptoday cast doubts about Brazil's chances in the World Cup saying that former champions still did not have the "right team". Pele under whom Brazil won three World Cups, said Brazil has individual players but still don't have a team. "My worry is about one thing there are only a few days until the World Cup starts and we still don't have the right team. Individually all the players are very good. But we're not a team," Pele told newswire Reuters. Although Brazil has lost just one match in the last two years but haven't exuded&nbspconfidence of a World champion with Neymar still recovering from injury with days away from the World Cup coach Tite's worries have increased. "I have the utmost confidence in Tite's ability," the Brazilian legend said. "Neymar is to me&nbspis one of the best players in the world," Pele said. "Today he is more mature and he has more experience but he isn't going to win the World Cup on his own. It’s teams that win the World Cup," he said. Pele said the 1970 Brazilian World Cup team was the "greatest" asserting that Tostao, Rivellino, Gerson and he himself had spent more than six months together "that's why it worked." Brazil begins their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

Neymar cannot win World Cup on his own: Pele

Few national teams have experienced the ups and downs of&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;over the last five years but the good news for fans of the "selecao" is that they are ascendant as Russia approaches.

Brazil&nbsp;won the 2013 Confederations Cup, hammering an all-conquering Spain side 3-0 in the final.

A year later they were humiliated 7-1 at home by Germany in the World Cup semi-finals and early exits at the Copa America in 2015 and 2016 deepened the gloom.

But the improvement since Tite took over as coach in June 2016 has been remarkable and&nbsp;Brazil are joint-favourites&nbsp;to win a record sixth World Cup.

Much of that credit goes to the wily coach, who has instilled a sense of purpose in a team that looked lost under his predecessor Dunga.

The central defence has been shored up with Marquinhos and Miranda, and&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;under Tite have conceded just five goals in 19 games.

The midfield has a balance of solid and creative, with Casemiro providing the backbone, Paulinho capable of going box-to-box, and Renato Augusto offering some spark.

Up front Tite has an embarrassment of riches, with Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho the likely starters with able back-up on the bench from speedy wingers Willian and Douglas Costa.

Those players helped&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;to become the first team to qualify for Russia with a record string of nine successive wins, but they must take care to rein in any euphoria.

Gremio centre-half Pedro Geromel and Corinthians pair Cassio and Fagner were the surprise inclusions in&nbsp;Brazil's 23-man World Cup squad.

Gremio defender Geromel has just two caps but was outstanding in leading the Porto Alegre side to the Copa Libertadores last season.

The former Gremio and Corinthians coach, who was tasked with revamping the country's reputation after their 7-1 mauling by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final, said he had not decided who will fill the void left by Dani Alves. The defender was ruled out last week with a knee injury.

He selected Fagner of Corinthians and Danilo of Manchester City to replace the Paris St Germain right back and said both were up to the task.

Left back Filipe Luis, who recently returned to the Atletico Madrid side after fracturing his tibia, was selected as back up to Marcelo.

PSG striker Neymar, who was out with an injured foot since Feb. 25, was also named in the squad and showed that he is likely to feature after scoring in his comeback match for&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;in a friendly against Croatia last Sunday (June 3).

Brazil won the 2013 Confederations Cup, hammering an all-conquering Spain side 3-0 in the final

Few national teams have experienced the ups and downs of Brazil over the last five years but the good news for fans of the "selecao" is that they are ascendant as Russia approaches. Brazil won the 2013 Confederations Cup, hammering an all-conquering Spain side 3-0 in the final. A year later they were humiliated 7-1 at home by Germany in the World Cup semi-finals and early exits at the Copa America in 2015 and 2016 deepened the gloom. But the improvement since Tite took over as coach in June 2016 has been remarkable and Brazil are joint-favourites to win a record sixth World Cup. Much of that credit goes to the wily coach, who has instilled a sense of purpose in a team that looked lost under his predecessor Dunga. The central defence has been shored up with Marquinhos and Miranda, and Brazil under Tite have conceded just five goals in 19 games. The midfield has a balance of solid and creative, with Casemiro providing the backbone, Paulinho capable of going box-to-box, and Renato Augusto offering some spark. Up front Tite has an embarrassment of riches, with Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho the likely starters with able back-up on the bench from speedy wingers Willian and Douglas Costa. Those players helped Brazil to become the first team to qualify for Russia with a record string of nine successive wins, but they must take care to rein in any euphoria. Gremio centre-half Pedro Geromel and Corinthians pair Cassio and Fagner were the surprise inclusions in Brazil's 23-man World Cup squad. Gremio defender Geromel has just two caps but was outstanding in leading the Porto Alegre side to the Copa Libertadores last season. The former Gremio and Corinthians coach, who was tasked with revamping the country's reputation after their 7-1 mauling by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final, said he had not decided who will fill the void left by Dani Alves. The defender was ruled out last week with a knee injury. He selected Fagner of Corinthians and Danilo of Manchester City to replace the Paris St Germain right back and said both were up to the task. Left back Filipe Luis, who recently returned to the Atletico Madrid side after fracturing his tibia, was selected as back up to Marcelo. PSG striker Neymar, who was out with an injured foot since Feb. 25, was also named in the squad and showed that he is likely to feature after scoring in his comeback match for Brazil in a friendly against Croatia last Sunday (June 3).

FIFA World Cup 2018: Brazil on the up as the World Cup nears

Mastercard on Monday said it was changing a campaign in which thousands of free meals were to be given to the needy every time football superstars Neymar and Messi scored goals.

Under the scheme, every time the Brazil and Argentina strikers scored, 10,000 meals would be donated to the United Nations World Food Program.

The idea, due to run until March 2020, drew fire from many on social media who said it was in poor taste. Brazilian national team coach Tite also criticized it as counterproductive because it put too much pressure on individual stars.

The credit card giant, which sponsors both players and the Brazilian Football Confederation, says that instead a million meals will be donated in 2018, regardless of the goals scored. That is in addition to 400,000 meals already donated.

"We don't want the fans, players or anyone else to lose focus of the crucial question of hunger and our efforts to help this cause," Mastercard said in a statement in Brazil.

On-pitch rivals Neymar and Messi will continue to cooperate for the campaign, the company said.

On Saturday, Tite had addressed Mastercard directly, saying that one or two players should not shoulder the burden of generating the meals.

"This is a very good gesture..., but it would be even bigger if the donation was made every time a goal was scored by all the athletes from Brazil and Argentina, because we play as a team," he said, following Brazil's pre-World Cup warm-up game against Croatia in Liverpool.

Mastercard to distribute thousands of free meals to the needy on every goal Neymar and Messi score during the World Cup

Mastercard on Monday said it was changing a campaign in which thousands of free meals were to be given to the needy every time football superstars Neymar and Messi scored goals. Under the scheme, every time the Brazil and Argentina strikers scored, 10,000 meals would be donated to the United Nations World Food Program. The idea, due to run until March 2020, drew fire from many on social media who said it was in poor taste. Brazilian national team coach Tite also criticized it as counterproductive because it put too much pressure on individual stars. The credit card giant, which sponsors both players and the Brazilian Football Confederation, says that instead a million meals will be donated in 2018, regardless of the goals scored. That is in addition to 400,000 meals already donated. "We don't want the fans, players or anyone else to lose focus of the crucial question of hunger and our efforts to help this cause," Mastercard said in a statement in Brazil. On-pitch rivals Neymar and Messi will continue to cooperate for the campaign, the company said. On Saturday, Tite had addressed Mastercard directly, saying that one or two players should not shoulder the burden of generating the meals. "This is a very good gesture..., but it would be even bigger if the donation was made every time a goal was scored by all the athletes from Brazil and Argentina, because we play as a team," he said, following Brazil's pre-World Cup warm-up game against Croatia in Liverpool.

World Cup 2018: Mastercard ends meals-for-goals campaign with Neymar, Messi

Brazil coach Tite said he was surprised how well Neymar performed on his return from a three-month injury lay-off in Sunday`s 2-0 pre-World Cup friendly win over Croatia but said the forward required patience.

Neymar came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken goal in the 69th minute as the five-times world champions warmed-up for this month`s tournament in Russia.

The most expensive player in the world has been sidelined since Feb. 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for Paris St Germain in a French league match against Olympique de Marseille.

"He came back better than I expected. I expected much less, because it is a process," Tite told reporters after the game.

"He has to go through stages. He is going to have ups and downs. By the third, fourth or fifth game then he will be back to his level," added the Brazil coach.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar`s popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014.

The forward`s ability to create chances for himself and open up defences adds some unpredictability to the Brazil attack and after a goalless first half on Sunday they looked more dangerous with the former Barcelona man on the field.

Tite said there was no doubt that Neymar gives them something extra but said that needed to be kept in perspective.

"He is a player that is different but he can`t be given all the responsibility to decide the game, that`s not humane, he is a key part but not everything," he said, declining to comment if the 26-year-old would start in the next friendly against Austria in Vienna on June 10.

Neymar became the world`s most expensive footballer when he signed from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August and he is expected to start in the opening Group E game against Switzerland on June 17 even if he is short of full match fitness.

Tite also had praise for Manchester City`s Danilo who featured at right back against the Croats with Real Madrid`s Marcelo operating as an attacking left back.

"Danilo played very well today, his defensive work was close to perfection. He doesn`t construct like Marcelo because no one constructs like Marcelo, but he was very good," he said.&nbsp

He made a return from a three-month injury lay-off in Sunday`s 2-0 pre-World Cup friendly win over Croatia

Brazil coach Tite said he was surprised how well Neymar performed on his return from a three-month injury lay-off in Sunday`s 2-0 pre-World Cup friendly win over Croatia but said the forward required patience. Neymar came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken goal in the 69th minute as the five-times world champions warmed-up for this month`s tournament in Russia. The most expensive player in the world has been sidelined since Feb. 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for Paris St Germain in a French league match against Olympique de Marseille. "He came back better than I expected. I expected much less, because it is a process," Tite told reporters after the game. "He has to go through stages. He is going to have ups and downs. By the third, fourth or fifth game then he will be back to his level," added the Brazil coach. Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar`s popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014. The forward`s ability to create chances for himself and open up defences adds some unpredictability to the Brazil attack and after a goalless first half on Sunday they looked more dangerous with the former Barcelona man on the field. Tite said there was no doubt that Neymar gives them something extra but said that needed to be kept in perspective. "He is a player that is different but he can`t be given all the responsibility to decide the game, that`s not humane, he is a key part but not everything," he said, declining to comment if the 26-year-old would start in the next friendly against Austria in Vienna on June 10. Neymar became the world`s most expensive footballer when he signed from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August and he is expected to start in the opening Group E game against Switzerland on June 17 even if he is short of full match fitness. Tite also had praise for Manchester City`s Danilo who featured at right back against the Croats with Real Madrid`s Marcelo operating as an attacking left back. "Danilo played very well today, his defensive work was close to perfection. He doesn`t construct like Marcelo because no one constructs like Marcelo, but he was very good," he said.

Neymar impresses on return but requires patience: Brazil coach

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday (June 3).

The PSG forward came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken opener in the 69th minute as the five-time World Cup winners warmed-up for this month's tournament in Russia in style.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino wrapped up the win in stoppage time.

Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has been sidelined since February 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for the French champions in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille.

"I have a lot of respect for Romario, Zico, Ronaldo, Pele because they are my idols. The statistics are just numbers. I'm happy to help the team, scoring goals for the national team. I don't want to be better than them, everyone has their own story, everybody knows how important they were for the national team, for now I'm just really happy for the goals," said Neymar Jr.

Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar's popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014.

He became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August.

The Selecao play their final warm-up match against Austria in Vienna on June 10, before heading to Russia.

Brazil are in World Cup Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica and kick off their campaign against the Swiss on June 17.

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia

Brazil star Neymar said he suffered a lot during a three-month injury lay-off after making a goalscoring comeback in his side's 2-0 win over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday (June 3). The PSG forward came on at Anfield as a second-half substitute and made a swift impression with a superbly taken opener in the 69th minute as the five-time World Cup winners warmed-up for this month's tournament in Russia in style. Liverpool's Roberto Firmino wrapped up the win in stoppage time. Neymar, the world's most expensive player, has been sidelined since February 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for the French champions in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille. "I have a lot of respect for Romario, Zico, Ronaldo, Pele because they are my idols. The statistics are just numbers. I'm happy to help the team, scoring goals for the national team. I don't want to be better than them, everyone has their own story, everybody knows how important they were for the national team, for now I'm just really happy for the goals," said Neymar Jr. Wearing the number 10 shirt, made famous by Pele, Neymar's popularity soared after he led Brazil to their first Olympic gold medal win in Rio in 2014. He became the world's most expensive footballer when he signed for PSG from Barcelona for 222 million euros ($264 million) last August. The Selecao play their final warm-up match against Austria in Vienna on June 10, before heading to Russia. Brazil are in World Cup Group E with Switzerland, Serbia and Costa Rica and kick off their campaign against the Swiss on June 17.

Watch: Don't want to be better than Zico, Pele, says Brazil's Neymar

Brazil star Neymar made a stunning return from injury with a superb goal in their 2-0 friendly victory over Croatia on Sunday.

Just 98 days after suffering an injury he feared would keep him out of the upcoming World Cup in Russia, Neymar was back with a bang at Anfield.&nbsp

The Paris Saint-Germain forward appeared as a half-time replacement for Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho as the Selecao stepped up their World Cup preparations.

And Neymar needed just 23 minutes to prove how important he is to Brazil's hopes of a sixth world title.

Receiving a pass from Philippe Coutinho, Neymar cut into the area, beating Sime Vrsaljko and Duje Caleta-Car with impressive close control and dribbling, before burying a shot into the roof of the goal, via the crossbar, from the edge of the six-yard area.

Neymar ran behind the goal, in front of Anfield's legendary Kop End, and punched the air in obvious delight as he was mobbed by team-mates.

The sublime strike leaves Neymar on 54 goals for his national team, one behind Romario, who is third on the country's all-time list, and with only Pele and Ronaldo ahead of him in the Brazil record books.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino, on his home ground, completed the victory in stoppage time when he controlled a through ball on his chest and calmly beat the advancing keeper with a delicate lob.

Neymar, the world's most expensive player following his blockbuster move from Barcelona last year, had been sidelined since the end of February when he fractured his foot playing for PSG in a league victory against Marseille.

He sprained his ankle and fractured his fifth metatarsal, requiring an operation which had left the 26-year-old facing a battle to be fit in time for Brazil's opening World Cup match with Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don on June 17.

Biggest challenge

Neymar had spoken last month of his concerns about winning that race and described his rehabilitation as the biggest challenge of his career.

He also sat out training with the national team at Tottenham's London base on Thursday as a precaution.

But Brazil coach Tite had announced his intention to use Neymar against Croatia, with the Brazilians having just one more warm-up game - against Austria in Vienna on June 10 - in which his asset can gain much-needed game-time.

True to his word, Tite brought on Neymar at the interval and he appeared comfortable, steering an early shot, from a wide angle on the edge of the area, directly at goalkeeper Danijel Subasic who saved well.

It was a notable afternoon also for former Liverpool striker Coutinho, who made his first appearance at Anfield since his transfer to Barcelona in January, and received a smattering of boos from some of his old club's supporters.

He formed part of a potent three-man forward line that also featured Chelsea's Willian and Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus, who was named captain for the day, the 15th player to wear the armband under the reign of manager Tite.

Despite the looming spectre of the World Cup, now less than two weeks away, the game proved a physical one.

Croatia's Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic were both cautioned by English referee Michael Oliver in the first half, along with Brazilian Fernandinho whose high-footed challenge left Vrsaljko needing a large bandage to a head wound.

Neymar's introduction at the start of the second half drew an enthusiastic reaction, from the Anfield crowd and his team-mates alike.

He joined Jesus and Willian in attack, with Coutinho dropping into the midfield place vacated by Fernandinho.&nbsp

Brazil instantly appeared more threatening, with the PSG man linking up quickly with Jesus.&nbsp

Before Neymar's brilliant opener, Croatia might have struck first when Ante Rebic's header forced a fine save from Alisson.

Brazil star Neymar made a stunning return from injury with a superb goal in their 2-0 friendly victory over Croatia on Sunday

Brazil star Neymar made a stunning return from injury with a superb goal in their 2-0 friendly victory over Croatia on Sunday. Just 98 days after suffering an injury he feared would keep him out of the upcoming World Cup in Russia, Neymar was back with a bang at Anfield. The Paris Saint-Germain forward appeared as a half-time replacement for Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho as the Selecao stepped up their World Cup preparations. And Neymar needed just 23 minutes to prove how important he is to Brazil's hopes of a sixth world title. Receiving a pass from Philippe Coutinho, Neymar cut into the area, beating Sime Vrsaljko and Duje Caleta-Car with impressive close control and dribbling, before burying a shot into the roof of the goal, via the crossbar, from the edge of the six-yard area. Neymar ran behind the goal, in front of Anfield's legendary Kop End, and punched the air in obvious delight as he was mobbed by team-mates. The sublime strike leaves Neymar on 54 goals for his national team, one behind Romario, who is third on the country's all-time list, and with only Pele and Ronaldo ahead of him in the Brazil record books. Liverpool's Roberto Firmino, on his home ground, completed the victory in stoppage time when he controlled a through ball on his chest and calmly beat the advancing keeper with a delicate lob. Neymar, the world's most expensive player following his blockbuster move from Barcelona last year, had been sidelined since the end of February when he fractured his foot playing for PSG in a league victory against Marseille. He sprained his ankle and fractured his fifth metatarsal, requiring an operation which had left the 26-year-old facing a battle to be fit in time for Brazil's opening World Cup match with Switzerland in Rostov-on-Don on June 17. Biggest challenge Neymar had spoken last month of his concerns about winning that race and described his rehabilitation as the biggest challenge of his career. He also sat out training with the national team at Tottenham's London base on Thursday as a precaution. But Brazil coach Tite had announced his intention to use Neymar against Croatia, with the Brazilians having just one more warm-up game - against Austria in Vienna on June 10 - in which his asset can gain much-needed game-time. True to his word, Tite brought on Neymar at the interval and he appeared comfortable, steering an early shot, from a wide angle on the edge of the area, directly at goalkeeper Danijel Subasic who saved well. It was a notable afternoon also for former Liverpool striker Coutinho, who made his first appearance at Anfield since his transfer to Barcelona in January, and received a smattering of boos from some of his old club's supporters. He formed part of a potent three-man forward line that also featured Chelsea's Willian and Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus, who was named captain for the day, the 15th player to wear the armband under the reign of manager Tite. Despite the looming spectre of the World Cup, now less than two weeks away, the game proved a physical one. Croatia's Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic were both cautioned by English referee Michael Oliver in the first half, along with Brazilian Fernandinho whose high-footed challenge left Vrsaljko needing a large bandage to a head wound. Neymar's introduction at the start of the second half drew an enthusiastic reaction, from the Anfield crowd and his team-mates alike. He joined Jesus and Willian in attack, with Coutinho dropping into the midfield place vacated by Fernandinho. Brazil instantly appeared more threatening, with the PSG man linking up quickly with Jesus. Before Neymar's brilliant opener, Croatia might have struck first when Ante Rebic's header forced a fine save from Alisson.

World Cup friendlies: Neymar scores after comeback from injury as Brazil beat Croatia 2-0

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr admitted that he is not "100 per cent fit"&nbspfor the World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 14.

Paris-Saint Germain star player also mentioned that he feels discomfort while recovering&nbspbut believes that he will be better for the tournament.

The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot in February in a match against Marseille.

"Physically I am well, my foot is fine. I am adapting in a few things. I still feel some discomfort, but it is not something that will trouble me," Neymar told journalists at Brazil's football confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.

Recently, he said, "Everything's going well, thank God, but there's always this fear when you come back and I need to get rid of that fear as soon as possible to arrive at the World Cup."&nbsp

Neymar, who missed Brazil's 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country's hopes at this year's World Cup, which starts on June 14.

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr admitted that he is not "100 per cent fit" for the World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 14

Brazilian forward Neymar Jr admitted that he is not "100 per cent fit"&nbspfor the World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 14. Paris-Saint Germain star player also mentioned that he feels discomfort while recovering&nbspbut believes that he will be better for the tournament. The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot in February in a match against Marseille. "Physically I am well, my foot is fine. I am adapting in a few things. I still feel some discomfort, but it is not something that will trouble me," Neymar told journalists at Brazil's football confederation headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. Recently, he said, "Everything's going well, thank God, but there's always this fear when you come back and I need to get rid of that fear as soon as possible to arrive at the World Cup." Neymar, who missed Brazil's 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country's hopes at this year's World Cup, which starts on June 14.

FIFA World Cup 2018: Neymar admits he is not '100% fit'

"This injury is difficult, and the biggest challenge is right now, going to the World Cup after not playing for three months," the 26-year-old Paris St Germain forward said on a sponsor's social media channel.

Brazilian striker Neymar said getting fit for the World Cup following surgery has been the biggest challenge of his career and he is also worried about how his injured foot will respond to top-class competition.

"The expectations are very high, not just from the fans but from me as well, that's why this is the biggest challenge I'm facing."

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil.

The striker said he feared he would miss the June 14-July 15 World Cup finals in Russia in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury.

"I was a bit worried I might not be ready in time but after I had the scans, they...told me about the surgery, how long the recovery would take, and that helped to calm me down.

"I've started training with the ball, I've started shooting and passing and now it's just a case of improving," he added. "I feel good, comfortable, at ease. Of course, there is a certain worry, fear, but little by little I'll lose that."

Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona for a record 222 million euros ($265.18 million) last August, is expected to be fully fit by the time Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17.

The five-times world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil

"This injury is difficult, and the biggest challenge is right now, going to the World Cup after not playing for three months," the 26-year-old Paris St Germain forward said on a sponsor's social media channel. Brazilian striker Neymar said getting fit for the World Cup following surgery has been the biggest challenge of his career and he is also worried about how his injured foot will respond to top-class competition. "The expectations are very high, not just from the fans but from me as well, that's why this is the biggest challenge I'm facing." He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil. The striker said he feared he would miss the June 14-July 15 World Cup finals in Russia in the immediate aftermath of suffering the injury. "I was a bit worried I might not be ready in time but after I had the scans, they...told me about the surgery, how long the recovery would take, and that helped to calm me down. "I've started training with the ball, I've started shooting and passing and now it's just a case of improving," he added. "I feel good, comfortable, at ease. Of course, there is a certain worry, fear, but little by little I'll lose that." Neymar, who joined the Ligue 1 club from Barcelona for a record 222 million euros ($265.18 million) last August, is expected to be fully fit by the time Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Switzerland on June 17. The five-times world champions will also play Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.

Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return

Brazil's star striker Neymar admits "fear" ahead of his return for the World Cup after a lengthy layoff following surgery for a broken bone in his foot.

In an interview published Friday on former Brazil legend Zico's YouTube channel, Neymar said he is in a race against time to get mentally ready for the tournament in Russia.

"Everything's going well, thank God, but there's always this fear when you come back and I need to get rid of that fear as soon as possible to arrive at the World Cup," the 26-year-old, who has been out since the end of February, said.

The interview with Zico, a great from Brazil's 1980s team, took place last week, just before Neymar returned to France, where he is expected to restart training shortly with Paris Saint-Germain.

He still hopes to be completely rehabilitated by the June 14 start of the World Cup. Brazil's opening game is against Switzerland on June 17.

"The idea is that he can return to working on the field from next week provided that he responds favorably to tomorrow's test," Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told selected media, including AFP, in Paris.

Neymar said that at first his return to competitive levels was "complicated. I was always afraid of making complete movements and I'd end up compensating".

The star also lauded his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, who is just 19, as "the best in the world for his age".

"He's a phenomenon. I've already told (Brazil midfielder) Casemiro that he'll have to take care of him" if Brazil face France in Russia.

&nbsp

In an interview published Friday on former Brazil legend Zico's YouTube channel, Neymar said he is in a race against time to get mentally ready for the tournament in Russia

Brazil's star striker Neymar admits "fear" ahead of his return for the World Cup after a lengthy layoff following surgery for a broken bone in his foot. In an interview published Friday on former Brazil legend Zico's YouTube channel, Neymar said he is in a race against time to get mentally ready for the tournament in Russia. "Everything's going well, thank God, but there's always this fear when you come back and I need to get rid of that fear as soon as possible to arrive at the World Cup," the 26-year-old, who has been out since the end of February, said. The interview with Zico, a great from Brazil's 1980s team, took place last week, just before Neymar returned to France, where he is expected to restart training shortly with Paris Saint-Germain. He still hopes to be completely rehabilitated by the June 14 start of the World Cup. Brazil's opening game is against Switzerland on June 17. "The idea is that he can return to working on the field from next week provided that he responds favorably to tomorrow's test," Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told selected media, including AFP, in Paris. Neymar said that at first his return to competitive levels was "complicated. I was always afraid of making complete movements and I'd end up compensating". The star also lauded his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe, who is just 19, as "the best in the world for his age". "He's a phenomenon. I've already told (Brazil midfielder) Casemiro that he'll have to take care of him" if Brazil face France in Russia.

Neymar Jr feels 'fear' ahead of his return for FIFA 2018

The latest reports on Neymar&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-operation-of-injured-foot-ankle-went-perfectly-says-brazil-confederation-34583">recovery</a>&nbsp;is a good news for Brazilian football fans and followers.

Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158">Neymar&#39;s metatarsal fracture</a> on March 3 has told French sports daily L&#39;Equipe, &quot;For now, everything is going well, they tell me every detail of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-operation-of-injured-foot-ankle-went-perfectly-says-brazil-confederation-34583">Neymar&#39;s recovery</a>.&quot;

Lasmar also mentioned that he speaks two or three times a day&nbsp;with the physiotherapists working with the Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain player to know the current reports.

He also said,&nbsp;&quot;They are working hard and in a very professional way so that he can return as quickly as possible and, above all, so there won&#39;t be any further problems for his foot or posture.&quot;&nbsp;

He added that he planned to reassess the injury in mid-April.

Recently, Neymar uploaded an Instagram story&nbsp;in which he was dancing while standing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">on one foot</a>.

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Neymar posted a video as an Instagram story, in which he was dancing on one foot. (Instagram)
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He also attended&nbsp;his sister&#39;s birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches on Monday.

Here&#39;s the video:

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Brazil soccer player Neymar attended his sister&#39;s birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches while recovering from a broken foot on Monday (March 19). (Reuters)
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-operation-of-injured-foot-ankle-went-perfectly-says-brazil-confederation-34583">Neymar</a>, who missed Brazil&#39;s 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country&#39;s hopes at this year&#39;s World Cup, which starts on June 14.

The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot last month in a match against Marseille.

&nbsp;

Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated Neymar's metatarsal fracture said he speaks two or three times a day with the physiotherapists to know the latest reports

The latest reports on Neymar's recovery is a good news for Brazilian football fans and followers. Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated Neymar's metatarsal fracture on March 3 has told French sports daily L'Equipe, "For now, everything is going well, they tell me every detail of Neymar's recovery." Lasmar also mentioned that he speaks two or three times a day with the physiotherapists working with the Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain player to know the current reports. He also said, "They are working hard and in a very professional way so that he can return as quickly as possible and, above all, so there won't be any further problems for his foot or posture." He added that he planned to reassess the injury in mid-April. Recently, Neymar uploaded an Instagram story in which he was dancing while standing on one foot. Neymar posted a video as an Instagram story, in which he was dancing on one foot. (Instagram) × He also attended his sister's birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches on Monday. Here's the video: Brazil soccer player Neymar attended his sister's birthday party in Sao Paulo on crutches while recovering from a broken foot on Monday (March 19). (Reuters) × Neymar, who missed Brazil's 7-1 semi-final thrashing on home soil by Germany through injury four years ago, is key to his country's hopes at this year's World Cup, which starts on June 14. The 26-year-old, who joined PSG for a world-record 222 million euros ($264 million) from Barcelona last year, suffered a fractured bone in his right foot last month in a match against Marseille.

Neymar's recovery 'is going well', says doctor

Brazilian striker <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158">Neymar Jr</a>,&nbsp;currently struggling with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158">metatarsal injury</a> has been trolled online for his &quot;insensitive&quot; tribute to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/stephen-hawking-a-brief-history-of-genius-35758">late Stephen Hawking</a>, who died yesterday at the age of 76.

Neymar shared a picture on social networking sites, featuring him in a bathing suit and sitting on a wheelchair.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BgUBS9UjwEL/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Voc&ecirc; tem que ter uma atitude positiva e tirar o melhor da situa&ccedil;&atilde;o na qual se encontra. Stephen Hawking</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neymarjr/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Nj ???????? ???? neymarjr</a> (@neymarjr) on <time datetime="2018-03-14T17:57:00+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 14, 2018 at 10:57am PDT</time>
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He captioned the picture with one of &nbsp;Hawking&#39;s famous quotes: &quot;One has to have a positive attitude and must make the best of the situation that one finds oneself in.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/stephen-hawking-a-brief-history-of-genius-35758">Stephen Hawking</a> will be remembered as Britain&#39;s most famous modern-day scientist.

He spent most of his life was spent in a wheelchair crippled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is is a form of motor neurone disease that attacks the nerves controlling voluntary movement.

He faced a major backlash on Twitter for his inappropriate behaviour.&nbsp;

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Always ask someone if you aren&rsquo;t sure about a social media post before posting it- Neymar edition. <a href="https://t.co/wks9jTVdGr">https://t.co/wks9jTVdGr</a>
&mdash; Caught Offside (@COsoccerpod) <a href="https://twitter.com/COsoccerpod/status/973992256343552018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Great to see Neymar drawing inspiration from Stephen Hawking as he adjusts to living his life with a sore ankle for a few weeks. <a href="https://t.co/VogGFNBI7j">https://t.co/VogGFNBI7j</a>
&mdash; Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) <a href="https://twitter.com/SmnLlyd5/status/973995847812820992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Neymar there, with his sore metatarsal and sprained ankle, marking Stephen Hawking&#39;s death by cheerily comparing himself to quadriplegic Stephen Hawking ???? <a href="https://t.co/f9bkh5AEhb">pic.twitter.com/f9bkh5AEhb</a>
&mdash; Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeardedGenius/status/973992727225520129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Brazilian striker Neymar Jr, currently struggling with metatarsal injury has been trolled online for his insensitive tribute to late Stephen Hawking

Brazilian striker Neymar Jr, currently struggling with metatarsal injury has been trolled online for his "insensitive" tribute to late Stephen Hawking, who died yesterday at the age of 76. Neymar shared a picture on social networking sites, featuring him in a bathing suit and sitting on a wheelchair. Você tem que ter uma atitude positiva e tirar o melhor da situação na qual se encontra. Stephen Hawking A post shared by Nj ???????? ???? neymarjr (@neymarjr) on Mar 14, 2018 at 10:57am PDT × He captioned the picture with one of Hawking's famous quotes: "One has to have a positive attitude and must make the best of the situation that one finds oneself in." Stephen Hawking will be remembered as Britain's most famous modern-day scientist. He spent most of his life was spent in a wheelchair crippled by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is is a form of motor neurone disease that attacks the nerves controlling voluntary movement. He faced a major backlash on Twitter for his inappropriate behaviour. Always ask someone if you aren’t sure about a social media post before posting it- Neymar edition. https://t.co/wks9jTVdGr — Caught Offside (@COsoccerpod) March 14, 2018 × Great to see Neymar drawing inspiration from Stephen Hawking as he adjusts to living his life with a sore ankle for a few weeks. https://t.co/VogGFNBI7j — Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) March 14, 2018 × Neymar there, with his sore metatarsal and sprained ankle, marking Stephen Hawking's death by cheerily comparing himself to quadriplegic Stephen Hawking ???? pic.twitter.com/f9bkh5AEhb — Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) March 14, 2018 ×

Neymar Jr pays tribute to Hawking, gets trolled

Neymar already regrets moving to Paris Saint-Germain and is seeking a shock return to Barcelona, according to reports in the Spanish media on Friday.&nbsp;

In the same week that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-real-on-song-as-psg-falter-again-in-champions-league-34934" target="_blank">PSG crashed out</a> of the Champions League, and only seven months after he joined the club for a world record 222 million euros ($264 million, Neymar&acute;s future has become uncertain.&nbsp;

Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims the Brazilian, recovering from surgery on a broken foot in Brazil, has made contact with Barca to ask how he can engineer a return.&nbsp;

The article adds Neymar has explained he made a mistake in leaving the club, was wrong to want independence from Lionel Messi and has been disappointed by the standard of opposition in Ligue 1.&nbsp;

Barca, however, is not the only club Neymar is reportedly targeting as a potential way out of PSG.&nbsp;

Madrid-based newspaper AS reports Neymar&acute;s father has met with Real Madrid, who are ready to pay 400million euros to sign the striker.&nbsp;

Asked about the speculation on Friday, Real coach Zinedine Zidane said: &quot;Neymar could play in all the clubs because he is very good, like many players.&nbsp;

&quot;I&acute;m not going to talk about a player that is not mine. On the 400 million, they paid 220 million and when they bought me they paid 72.&nbsp;

&quot;It seemed crazy to me and 10 years later they are paying 220 million. It can be that in the next 10 years someone will pay 400m, or sooner, I do not know.&quot;

Mundo Deportivo concedes Neymar&acute;s courting of Barcelona may even be a tactic to justify a move to Real, given the Catalan club are likely to reject any chance to re-sign the 26-year-old.&nbsp;

Barcelona are still embroiled in a financial dispute over a bonus due to Neymar last summer, which the club cancelled when they believe it became clear he was moving to PSG.&nbsp;

Neymar missed PSG&#39;s last 16 loss to Real on Tuesday after undergoing surgery on a broken foot in Brazil last week.

Neymar joined PSG only seven months ago for a world record 222 million euros

Neymar already regrets moving to Paris Saint-Germain and is seeking a shock return to Barcelona, according to reports in the Spanish media on Friday. In the same week that PSG crashed out of the Champions League, and only seven months after he joined the club for a world record 222 million euros ($264 million, Neymar´s future has become uncertain. Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims the Brazilian, recovering from surgery on a broken foot in Brazil, has made contact with Barca to ask how he can engineer a return. The article adds Neymar has explained he made a mistake in leaving the club, was wrong to want independence from Lionel Messi and has been disappointed by the standard of opposition in Ligue 1. Barca, however, is not the only club Neymar is reportedly targeting as a potential way out of PSG. Madrid-based newspaper AS reports Neymar´s father has met with Real Madrid, who are ready to pay 400million euros to sign the striker. Asked about the speculation on Friday, Real coach Zinedine Zidane said: "Neymar could play in all the clubs because he is very good, like many players. "I´m not going to talk about a player that is not mine. On the 400 million, they paid 220 million and when they bought me they paid 72. "It seemed crazy to me and 10 years later they are paying 220 million. It can be that in the next 10 years someone will pay 400m, or sooner, I do not know." Mundo Deportivo concedes Neymar´s courting of Barcelona may even be a tactic to justify a move to Real, given the Catalan club are likely to reject any chance to re-sign the 26-year-old. Barcelona are still embroiled in a financial dispute over a bonus due to Neymar last summer, which the club cancelled when they believe it became clear he was moving to PSG. Neymar missed PSG's last 16 loss to Real on Tuesday after undergoing surgery on a broken foot in Brazil last week.

Neymar wants to return to Barcelona: Spanish reports

Football is a game of uncertainties, it is not justified to predict the performance of any team and pass the judgement regarding the final result of the game.

The second leg of Champion&#39;s Trophy is starting from today with one of the most crucial face-offs when a Spanish giant will fight with French leaders.

Defending champion Real Madrid will enter the game with a high because they have already taken a 3-1 lead against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg and the aggregate after including today&#39;s score will act as an decider that which team will proceed further.

Paris Saint Germain needs to create chances and the presure of&nbsp;Neymar&#39;s absence must not affect the team&#39;s performance

PSG has the potential and might dribble the comeback and display a shocker in forfeiting the first-leg deficit against Real Madrid. Yes, chances are there!

PSG are up against it, all the more so with Neymar, the world&#39;s most expensive player missing as he recovers in Brazil following a foot operation.

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Paris​ have lost just one of their last 46 European home games ???? 
 
Are they strong enough to see off Madrid? 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LoveitLiveit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LoveitLiveit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/7GUOWzYqwA">pic.twitter.com/7GUOWzYqwA</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/971064594671329280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Brazil&#39;s Paris St Germain forward Neymar has had a successful operation on his injured foot and ankle.

He was operated on Saturday at the Mater Dei Hospital in Belo Horizonte and currently on post-op rehabilitation. Neymar&#39;s absence is a major important implication in today&#39; match.

Out of contract at the end of this season, Emery is relying on big performances from players like Thiago Silva and Angel Di Maria, who were both left out in the first leg.

Kylian Mbappe is looking good at the moment with some outstanding assists in the previous matches.

Real has the confidence and Charged up and Marcelo&#39;s return is a plus point

Cristiano Ronaldo had scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to stun Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their heavyweight Champions League to inspire the team to victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. The team has travelled to Paris to play the match at Parc des Princes. A memorable stadium when Di Stefano lifted the club&#39;s first continental crown.&nbsp;

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???? Ronaldo doing what he does! 
 
Which one of your friends is always trying tricks like <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a>? ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> <a href="https://t.co/XGpD9tj3C0">pic.twitter.com/XGpD9tj3C0</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/971020904598827010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Captain Sergio Ramos said, &quot;The Champions League means a lot to us,&quot;

&quot;They have a lot of offensive power, but we have our weapons and we&#39;re going to try to do damage in Paris,&quot; he further added.

Marcelo has returned from injury and he is a big advantage for the team.

This clash takes on huge importance for Zinedine Zidane&rsquo;s Real, who have had an unusually poor domestic campaign and faced many criticisms for the same even his future as Real coach was doubtful.

As far as the final result is concerned, Real Madrid definitely has an intent of winning the game but PSG&#39;s attacking is equally great and might register a comeback and draw the aggregate.

&nbsp;

PSG has the potential and might dribble the comeback and display a shocker in forfeiting the first-leg deficit against Real Madrid. Yes, chances are there!

Football is a game of uncertainties, it is not justified to predict the performance of any team and pass the judgement regarding the final result of the game. The second leg of Champion's Trophy is starting from today with one of the most crucial face-offs when a Spanish giant will fight with French leaders. Defending champion Real Madrid will enter the game with a high because they have already taken a 3-1 lead against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg and the aggregate after including today's score will act as an decider that which team will proceed further. Paris Saint Germain needs to create chances and the presure of Neymar's absence must not affect the team's performance PSG has the potential and might dribble the comeback and display a shocker in forfeiting the first-leg deficit against Real Madrid. Yes, chances are there! PSG are up against it, all the more so with Neymar, the world's most expensive player missing as he recovers in Brazil following a foot operation. Paris have lost just one of their last 46 European home games ???? Are they strong enough to see off Madrid? #LoveitLiveit #UCL pic.twitter.com/7GUOWzYqwA — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 6, 2018 × Brazil's Paris St Germain forward Neymar has had a successful operation on his injured foot and ankle. He was operated on Saturday at the Mater Dei Hospital in Belo Horizonte and currently on post-op rehabilitation. Neymar's absence is a major important implication in today' match. Out of contract at the end of this season, Emery is relying on big performances from players like Thiago Silva and Angel Di Maria, who were both left out in the first leg. Kylian Mbappe is looking good at the moment with some outstanding assists in the previous matches. Real has the confidence and Charged up and Marcelo's return is a plus point Cristiano Ronaldo had scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to stun Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their heavyweight Champions League to inspire the team to victory at the Santiago Bernabeu. The team has travelled to Paris to play the match at Parc des Princes. A memorable stadium when Di Stefano lifted the club's first continental crown. ???? Ronaldo doing what he does! Which one of your friends is always trying tricks like @Cristiano? ????#UCL pic.twitter.com/XGpD9tj3C0 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 6, 2018 × Captain Sergio Ramos said, "The Champions League means a lot to us," "They have a lot of offensive power, but we have our weapons and we're going to try to do damage in Paris," he further added. Marcelo has returned from injury and he is a big advantage for the team. This clash takes on huge importance for Zinedine Zidane’s Real, who have had an unusually poor domestic campaign and faced many criticisms for the same even his future as Real coach was doubtful. As far as the final result is concerned, Real Madrid definitely has an intent of winning the game but PSG's attacking is equally great and might register a comeback and draw the aggregate.

Champions League: Neymar's absence, Marcelo's return favour Real against PSG

Brazil&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-arrives-in-brazil-ahead-of-foot-surgery-34520">Paris St Germain</a> forward Neymar has had a successful operation on his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">injured foot and ankle</a>&nbsp;confirmed the Brazilian Football Confederation. He was operated on Saturday at the Mater Dei Hospital in Belo Horizonte. On Friday, he flew to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-arrives-in-brazil-ahead-of-foot-surgery-34520">Belo Horizonte in Brazil</a> and went straight to the Hospital MaterDei in the city for treatment to his injured foot.

&quot;The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-metatarsal-fracture-that-caused-neymars-exit-34167">post-op rehabilitation</a> will begin immediately with the presence of a PSG physiotherapist,&quot; the CBF added.

&quot;He will be re-evaluated in around six weeks in order to specify a possible date when he can return to training.&quot;

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-metatarsal-fracture-that-caused-neymars-exit-34167"> fractured metatarsal</a> when he was stretchered off during a match against Marseille.

Recently in an interview to ESPN Brazil, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">his father, Neymar Sr</a> said, &quot;PSG know that they won&#39;t have Neymar in the next few games and that they won&#39;t have Neymar for the next six weeks at least.&quot;

&quot;Because this treatment is going to take six to eight weeks, we know that, whether it is surgery or conventional, it will be six or eight weeks,&quot; he further said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">Neymar Sr</a>&nbsp;also mentioned that the damage was such that Neymar would definitely <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-arrives-in-brazil-ahead-of-foot-surgery-34520">miss&nbsp;next week&#39;s Champions</a>&nbsp;League encounter against Real Madrid.

&nbsp;

Neymar will be re-evaluated in around six weeks in order to specify a possible date when he can return to training

Brazil's Paris St Germain forward Neymar has had a successful operation on his injured foot and ankle confirmed the Brazilian Football Confederation. He was operated on Saturday at the Mater Dei Hospital in Belo Horizonte. On Friday, he flew to Belo Horizonte in Brazil and went straight to the Hospital MaterDei in the city for treatment to his injured foot. "The post-op rehabilitation will begin immediately with the presence of a PSG physiotherapist," the CBF added. "He will be re-evaluated in around six weeks in order to specify a possible date when he can return to training." Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off during a match against Marseille. Recently in an interview to ESPN Brazil, his father, Neymar Sr said, "PSG know that they won't have Neymar in the next few games and that they won't have Neymar for the next six weeks at least." "Because this treatment is going to take six to eight weeks, we know that, whether it is surgery or conventional, it will be six or eight weeks," he further said. Neymar Sr also mentioned that the damage was such that Neymar would definitely miss next week's Champions League encounter against Real Madrid.

Neymar's operation of injured foot & ankle went perfectly, says Brazil confederation

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">suffered a sprained ankle</a> and a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-metatarsal-fracture-that-caused-neymars-exit-34167">fractured metatarsal</a> when he was stretchered off during a match against&nbsp;Marseille.

On Friday, he flew to&nbsp;Belo Horizonte in Brazil and went&nbsp;straight to the Hospital MaterDei in the city for treatment to his injured foot.

Recently in an interview to ESPN Brazil, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">his father, Neymar Sr</a> said,&nbsp;&quot;PSG know that they won&#39;t have Neymar in the next few games and that they won&#39;t have Neymar for the next six weeks at least.&quot;

&quot;Because this treatment is going to take six to eight weeks, we know that, whether it is surgery or conventional, it will be six or eight weeks,&quot; he further said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">Neymar Sr</a> also mentioned that the damage was such that Neymar would definitely miss <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-neymar-jr-out-for-six-to-eight-weeks-says-neymar-sr-34304">next week&#39;s Champions</a> League encounter against Real Madrid.

Brazil star was signed by PSG for a world record 222 million euros (US$ 260 million) from the Spanish giants Barcelona last year, is set to undergo surgery on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/what-is-metatarsal-fracture-that-caused-neymars-exit-34167">fifth metatarsal</a> of his right foot.

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Neymar suffered a fractured metatarsal during a match against Marseille now he flew to Belo Horizonte in Brazil for treatment to his injured foot

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off during a match against Marseille. On Friday, he flew to Belo Horizonte in Brazil and went straight to the Hospital MaterDei in the city for treatment to his injured foot. Recently in an interview to ESPN Brazil, his father, Neymar Sr said, "PSG know that they won't have Neymar in the next few games and that they won't have Neymar for the next six weeks at least." "Because this treatment is going to take six to eight weeks, we know that, whether it is surgery or conventional, it will be six or eight weeks," he further said. Neymar Sr also mentioned that the damage was such that Neymar would definitely miss next week's Champions League encounter against Real Madrid. Brazil star was signed by PSG for a world record 222 million euros (US$ 260 million) from the Spanish giants Barcelona last year, is set to undergo surgery on the fifth metatarsal of his right foot. ×

Neymar arrives in Brazil ahead of foot surgery

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sridevi-died-due-to-accidental-drowning-further-delay-possible-in-body-being-brought-back-to-india-34162">Sridevi died due to accidental drowning, Dubai Police say another &#39;clearance&#39; required before body can be released</a>

Bollywood actor Sridevi died of accidental drowning in her hotel bathtub after losing consciousness, the Dubai government said today, giving a dramatic twist to her sudden death that has stunned legions of fans and industry colleagues.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meghalaya-nagaland-to-go-to-polls-today-34157">Voting begins in Meghalaya and Nagaland</a>

Voting for the 60-member assemblies will be held from 7 am till 4 pm, except in some polling stations of the interior districts of Nagaland, where the process is scheduled to conclude at 3 pm.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-ghouta-russia-orders-daily-5-hour-truce-34166">Syria&#39;s Ghouta: Russia orders daily 5-hour truce</a>

Russia said on Monday it would establish an evacuation corridor and implement a five-hour daily truce to allow people to leave Syria&#39;s eastern Ghouta, after a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire across the entire country.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-would-have-run-unarmed-into-florida-school-34164">Trump says would have run unarmed into Florida school</a>

President Donald Trump said Monday he would have rushed unarmed into the Florida school targeted by a mass shooter, as student survivors of the slaughter brought their campaign for gun control to Congress.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-striker-neymar-jr-suffers-metatarsal-fracture-34158">PSG&#39;s Neymar suffers metatarsal fracture</a>

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off in Sunday&#39;s win over Marseille, the Ligue 1 leaders announced on Monday.

Sridevi died due to accidental drowning, Dubai Police say another 'clearance' required before body can be released Bollywood actor Sridevi died of accidental drowning in her hotel bathtub after losing consciousness, the Dubai government said today, giving a dramatic twist to her sudden death that has stunned legions of fans and industry colleagues. Voting begins in Meghalaya and Nagaland Voting for the 60-member assemblies will be held from 7 am till 4 pm, except in some polling stations of the interior districts of Nagaland, where the process is scheduled to conclude at 3 pm. Syria's Ghouta: Russia orders daily 5-hour truce Russia said on Monday it would establish an evacuation corridor and implement a five-hour daily truce to allow people to leave Syria's eastern Ghouta, after a UN Security Council resolution demanding a 30-day ceasefire across the entire country. Trump says would have run unarmed into Florida school President Donald Trump said Monday he would have rushed unarmed into the Florida school targeted by a mass shooter, as student survivors of the slaughter brought their campaign for gun control to Congress. PSG's Neymar suffers metatarsal fracture Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off in Sunday's win over Marseille, the Ligue 1 leaders announced on Monday.

WION Morning News Brief, February 27, 2018

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off in Sunday&#39;s win over Marseille, the Ligue 1 leaders announced on Monday.

The Brazilian, who signed for PSG in a world-record move from Barcelona last year, is now a serious injury doubt for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes on March 6.

PSG trail in the tie after a 3-1 first-leg defeat in Spain, with their hopes of a maiden Champions League title taking a further body blow with the confirmation of Neymar&#39;s injury, although they didn&#39;t specify how long the 26-year-old would be out of action.

&quot;Additional examinations performed today (ultrasound and CT) confirmed an external sprain of the right ankle, but also an associated fissure of the fifth metatarsal,&quot; PSG said in a short statement.

The chances of Neymar returning to fitness in time to face the reigning European champions now appear extremely slim.

He is all but certain to miss Wednesday&#39;s French Cup quarter-final against Marseille and the weekend&#39;s Ligue 1 visit to Troyes, with the Real clash just three days later.

Metatarsal injuries usually take weeks, if not months to recover from.

Just last year, Neymar&#39;s international team-mate Gabriel Jesus was out of action for two months after breaking a metatarsal with Manchester City and has struggled with further injuries since.

Former England stars David Beckham and Wayne Rooney spent six weeks on the sidelines with metatarsal injuries in the past, with both still arguably being rushed back too soon for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups respectively.

Brazil fans will also be keeping a close eye on Neymar&#39;s fitness, especially after he missed their 2014 World Cup thrashing by Germany with the injury.

PSG, who lead the French top flight by a massive 14 points, also said that Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos had picked up a leg muscle problem.

&nbsp;

Neymar is now a serious injury doubt for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes on March 6

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar suffered a sprained ankle and a fractured metatarsal when he was stretchered off in Sunday's win over Marseille, the Ligue 1 leaders announced on Monday. The Brazilian, who signed for PSG in a world-record move from Barcelona last year, is now a serious injury doubt for the Champions League last-16 second leg against Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes on March 6. PSG trail in the tie after a 3-1 first-leg defeat in Spain, with their hopes of a maiden Champions League title taking a further body blow with the confirmation of Neymar's injury, although they didn't specify how long the 26-year-old would be out of action. "Additional examinations performed today (ultrasound and CT) confirmed an external sprain of the right ankle, but also an associated fissure of the fifth metatarsal," PSG said in a short statement. The chances of Neymar returning to fitness in time to face the reigning European champions now appear extremely slim. He is all but certain to miss Wednesday's French Cup quarter-final against Marseille and the weekend's Ligue 1 visit to Troyes, with the Real clash just three days later. Metatarsal injuries usually take weeks, if not months to recover from. Just last year, Neymar's international team-mate Gabriel Jesus was out of action for two months after breaking a metatarsal with Manchester City and has struggled with further injuries since. Former England stars David Beckham and Wayne Rooney spent six weeks on the sidelines with metatarsal injuries in the past, with both still arguably being rushed back too soon for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups respectively. Brazil fans will also be keeping a close eye on Neymar's fitness, especially after he missed their 2014 World Cup thrashing by Germany with the injury. PSG, who lead the French top flight by a massive 14 points, also said that Brazilian centre-back Marquinhos had picked up a leg muscle problem.

PSG's Neymar suffers metatarsal fracture

Neymar&#39;s father took on to social to vent his anger over the worldwide criticism of his son and Brazilian star&nbsp;footballer Neymar Jr.

He shared a post on the photosharing website Instagram and called the critics as &quot;people with vulture behaviour.&quot;

Neymar was&nbsp;transferred&nbsp;last summer to Qatar-backed Paris Saint-Germain for a world record 222 million euros.

His performance for PSG has been below the average till date since his arrival in the squad.

Recently he failed to score in the first leg of Champions League match against Real Madrid where PSG lost to Real Madrid 1-3 t St. Bernabeu.

A lot was expected of the terrific trio&nbsp;Neymar, Kylian Mbappe &amp; Edinson Cavani, especially Neymar but he disappointed the fans as the fans and followers were hoping to win the contest and forget the 6-1 humiliation they suffered in Barcelona at the same stage of last year&#39;s Champions League.

Neymar&#39;s father&nbsp;Neymar Santos Sr. expressed his anger on social media to defend&nbsp;his son.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfOrwM1HIZ3/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Em uma &quot;guerra&quot; h&aacute; os que se alimentam de vit&oacute;rias e h&aacute; os que, como os abutres, se alimentam da carni&ccedil;a dos derrotados. Nada fazem, nada produzem, vivem do brilho ou, com mais frequencia, de momentos dif&iacute;ceis de suas &quot;presas&quot;. No universo do futebol conhecemos muitas pessoas com &quot;comportamento de abutre&quot;. Por vezes se aproveitam de um microfone forte, de uma carreira de &quot;jogador&quot; (n&atilde;o d&aacute; para chamarmos de &quot;atleta&quot; algu&eacute;m com comportamentos no m&iacute;nimo question&aacute;veis fora dos gramados) sem muito brilho, sempre a sombra de outros mais talentosos, para destilar suas frustra&ccedil;&otilde;es. Aproveitam uma derrota, uma BATALHA perdida, para ficarem a espreita, aguardando a derrota na guerra, para alimentarem seus egos, como os abutres se alimentam de carni&ccedil;a. N&atilde;o conseguiram nas Olimp&iacute;adas do Rio, mas ficaram ali, aguardando a primeira oportunidade, para trazer seu mau agouro. Mas lembrem-se: Perdemos uma batalha, n&atilde;o a guerra. A guerra de meu filho ele &quot;pratica&quot; desde muito jovem, sempre praticando o bom combate, sempre escapando dos abutres, sempre renascendo ainda mais forte !! E, principalmente, respeitando a todos, at&eacute; mesmo os abutres... Perdemos uma batalha, quanto a guerra, veremos, porque ela durar&aacute; enquanto ele estiver nos gramados. E tenham certeza... como uma f&ecirc;nix ele renascer&aacute;, preparado para quantos combates vierem pela frente! Quanto a voc&ecirc;, abutre, ficar&aacute; com fome. E restar&aacute; engolir suas palavras, t&atilde;o podres quanto a carni&ccedil;a. . @neymarjr @rafaella @jotaamancio @davilucca @nadine.goncalves</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neymarpai_/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Neymar Pai</a> (@neymarpai_) on <time datetime="2018-02-15T19:41:09+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 15, 2018 at 11:41am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

He said, &quot;In a &quot;war&quot; there are those who feed on victories and there are those who, like vultures, feed on the carrion of the defeated. They do nothing, they produce nothing, they live from the brilliance or, more often, from the difficult moments of their &quot;prey&quot;.

He referred the people who are slamming Neymar&#39;s for his performance as vulture behaviour&nbsp;he said, &quot;In the world of football, we know many people with &quot;vulture behaviour&quot;. Sometimes they take advantage of a strong microphone, a &quot;player&quot; career (we cannot call &quot;athlete&quot; someone with at least questionable behaviours of the lawns) without much brilliance, always the shadow of other more talented, to distil their frustrations.&quot;

&quot;They take advantage of a defeat, a lost BATTLE, to lurk, waiting for defeat in the war, to feed their egos, as the vultures feed on carrion. They did not make it to the Rio Olympics, but they stayed there, waiting for the first opportunity, to bring their bad omen.&quot;

&quot;But remember: We lost a battle, not war. The war of my son he &quot;practices&quot; from very young, always practising the good fight, always escaping from the vultures, always reborn even stronger! And, especially, respecting everyone, even the vultures ...We&#39;ve lost a battle, about war, we&#39;ll see because it will last as long as it&#39;s on the grass.

And be sure ... like a phoenix, he will be reborn, prepared for all the fighting ahead! As for you, vulture, you will be hungry. And there will be nothing left to swallow his words, as rotten as carrion,&quot; he further added.

Disclaimer: Quotes are translated from Portuguese.

&nbsp;

Neymar Santos Sr. expressed his anger on social media to defend his son and called the backbiters as 'people with vulture behaviour'

Neymar's father took on to social to vent his anger over the worldwide criticism of his son and Brazilian star footballer Neymar Jr. He shared a post on the photosharing website Instagram and called the critics as "people with vulture behaviour." Neymar was transferred last summer to Qatar-backed Paris Saint-Germain for a world record 222 million euros. His performance for PSG has been below the average till date since his arrival in the squad. Recently he failed to score in the first leg of Champions League match against Real Madrid where PSG lost to Real Madrid 1-3 t St. Bernabeu. A lot was expected of the terrific trio Neymar, Kylian Mbappe & Edinson Cavani, especially Neymar but he disappointed the fans as the fans and followers were hoping to win the contest and forget the 6-1 humiliation they suffered in Barcelona at the same stage of last year's Champions League. Neymar's father Neymar Santos Sr. expressed his anger on social media to defend his son. Em uma "guerra" há os que se alimentam de vitórias e há os que, como os abutres, se alimentam da carniça dos derrotados. Nada fazem, nada produzem, vivem do brilho ou, com mais frequencia, de momentos difíceis de suas "presas". No universo do futebol conhecemos muitas pessoas com "comportamento de abutre". Por vezes se aproveitam de um microfone forte, de uma carreira de "jogador" (não dá para chamarmos de "atleta" alguém com comportamentos no mínimo questionáveis fora dos gramados) sem muito brilho, sempre a sombra de outros mais talentosos, para destilar suas frustrações. Aproveitam uma derrota, uma BATALHA perdida, para ficarem a espreita, aguardando a derrota na guerra, para alimentarem seus egos, como os abutres se alimentam de carniça. Não conseguiram nas Olimpíadas do Rio, mas ficaram ali, aguardando a primeira oportunidade, para trazer seu mau agouro. Mas lembrem-se: Perdemos uma batalha, não a guerra. A guerra de meu filho ele "pratica" desde muito jovem, sempre praticando o bom combate, sempre escapando dos abutres, sempre renascendo ainda mais forte !! E, principalmente, respeitando a todos, até mesmo os abutres... Perdemos uma batalha, quanto a guerra, veremos, porque ela durará enquanto ele estiver nos gramados. E tenham certeza... como uma fênix ele renascerá, preparado para quantos combates vierem pela frente! Quanto a você, abutre, ficará com fome. E restará engolir suas palavras, tão podres quanto a carniça. . @neymarjr @rafaella @jotaamancio @davilucca @nadine.goncalves A post shared by Neymar Pai (@neymarpai_) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:41am PST × He said, "In a "war" there are those who feed on victories and there are those who, like vultures, feed on the carrion of the defeated. They do nothing, they produce nothing, they live from the brilliance or, more often, from the difficult moments of their "prey". He referred the people who are slamming Neymar's for his performance as vulture behaviour he said, "In the world of football, we know many people with "vulture behaviour". Sometimes they take advantage of a strong microphone, a "player" career (we cannot call "athlete" someone with at least questionable behaviours of the lawns) without much brilliance, always the shadow of other more talented, to distil their frustrations." "They take advantage of a defeat, a lost BATTLE, to lurk, waiting for defeat in the war, to feed their egos, as the vultures feed on carrion. They did not make it to the Rio Olympics, but they stayed there, waiting for the first opportunity, to bring their bad omen." "But remember: We lost a battle, not war. The war of my son he "practices" from very young, always practising the good fight, always escaping from the vultures, always reborn even stronger! And, especially, respecting everyone, even the vultures ...We've lost a battle, about war, we'll see because it will last as long as it's on the grass. And be sure ... like a phoenix, he will be reborn, prepared for all the fighting ahead! As for you, vulture, you will be hungry. And there will be nothing left to swallow his words, as rotten as carrion," he further added. Disclaimer: Quotes are translated from Portuguese.

Neymar's father defends son, refers critics as 'vultures'

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to stun Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their heavyweight Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Ronaldo scored his 100th Champions League goal for title-holders Real from the penalty spot late in the first half to cancel out Adrien Rabiot&#39;s opener for the French side at the Santiago Bernabeu, set up by Neymar.

The Portuguese star then turned the ball home from close range with seven minutes left before Marcelo secured what could turn out to be a decisive first-leg lead ahead of the return in Paris on March 6 and sent nearly 80,000 home fans into raptures.

&quot;These days are to be remembered, and what better way to do it than with the character we showed,&quot; Real skipper Sergio Ramos told Spanish television.&nbsp;

&quot;We need to keep playing like that, with the desire to defend the Champions League. You can never consider Real Madrid to be dead and buried.&quot;

Rabiot said PSG were plagued by familiar problems

&quot;We always say the same things and we always get caught out in the same way,&quot; Rabiot told beIN Sports.&nbsp;

&quot;The problem is it&#39;s easy to score eight against Dijon, or four goals in league games. It is in these matches that you need to be decisive.&quot; &quot;

The late collapse for PSG brings back echoes of the way they fell apart to lose 6-1 in Barcelona on their way to a humiliating exit at the same stage of the competition last season.

Neymar, in Barcelona&#39;s ranks then, could not make the difference for PSG, who now have a huge job on their hands to turn the tie around.

Having looked set to come away with a precious draw, the defeat piles the pressure on coach Unai Emery, but for Real the outcome is an enormous boost for their boss Zinedine Zidane.

Under pressure himself with Real flagging domestically, he needed this win, and will earn praise for his substitutions, with Marco Asensio coming off the bench to set up each of the two late goals.

That was after Zidane had taken a risk by leaving out Gareth Bale, a key element in the side that has won three of the last four Champions Leagues. The Welshman&#39;s place in the line-up was taken by Isco.

Emery went even further, dropping his captain Thiago Silva to make way for 22-year-old Presnel Kimpembe in the centre of the PSG defence.

- Difficult night for Neymar - 
Real supporters chose an image of a famous fan in Rafael Nadal to adorn a display unfurled at the south end of the ground as the sides came out, hoping their team could draw inspiration from someone who has conquered Paris 10 times as French Open champion.

The hosts started well too, while Neymar struggled, slipping when one pass was aimed towards him, complaining as a Luka Modric challenge sent him to the floor and picking up a yellow card for a foul on Nacho.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, saw Alphonse Areola make a fine save from his net-bound shot after he had been released by Marcelo, and not long after that, in the 33rd minute, PSG scored.

Neymar could claim an assist, although it didn&#39;t look like the Brazilian meant to help Kylian Mbappe&#39;s low ball across the box from the right into the path of Rabiot, who swept home unmarked.

PSG had a precious away goal, but they could not hold their lead until the break as Giovani Lo Celso gave away a penalty for a foul on Toni Kroos.

Areola, having just made a superb save from Karim Benzema, could do nothing to keep out Ronaldo&#39;s spot-kick.

The visitors had chances to go ahead again in the second half, Keylor Navas saving well from Mbappe and Sergio Ramos blocking bravely from Rabiot.

Emery then surprisingly took off Edinson Cavani and replaced him with Thomas Meunier, a right-back. But it was Zidane&#39;s decision to send on Asensio that proved crucial.

In the space of three late minutes, Asensio saw one cross palmed out by Areola and then rebound into the net off Ronaldo&#39;s thigh, before another assist was finished off by Marcelo, potentially finishing the tie in the process.

Neymar, in Barcelona's ranks then, could not make the difference for PSG, who now have a huge job on their hands to turn the tie around.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid came from behind to stun Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 in the first leg of their heavyweight Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday. Ronaldo scored his 100th Champions League goal for title-holders Real from the penalty spot late in the first half to cancel out Adrien Rabiot's opener for the French side at the Santiago Bernabeu, set up by Neymar. The Portuguese star then turned the ball home from close range with seven minutes left before Marcelo secured what could turn out to be a decisive first-leg lead ahead of the return in Paris on March 6 and sent nearly 80,000 home fans into raptures. "These days are to be remembered, and what better way to do it than with the character we showed," Real skipper Sergio Ramos told Spanish television. "We need to keep playing like that, with the desire to defend the Champions League. You can never consider Real Madrid to be dead and buried." Rabiot said PSG were plagued by familiar problems "We always say the same things and we always get caught out in the same way," Rabiot told beIN Sports. "The problem is it's easy to score eight against Dijon, or four goals in league games. It is in these matches that you need to be decisive." " The late collapse for PSG brings back echoes of the way they fell apart to lose 6-1 in Barcelona on their way to a humiliating exit at the same stage of the competition last season. Neymar, in Barcelona's ranks then, could not make the difference for PSG, who now have a huge job on their hands to turn the tie around. Having looked set to come away with a precious draw, the defeat piles the pressure on coach Unai Emery, but for Real the outcome is an enormous boost for their boss Zinedine Zidane. Under pressure himself with Real flagging domestically, he needed this win, and will earn praise for his substitutions, with Marco Asensio coming off the bench to set up each of the two late goals. That was after Zidane had taken a risk by leaving out Gareth Bale, a key element in the side that has won three of the last four Champions Leagues. The Welshman's place in the line-up was taken by Isco. Emery went even further, dropping his captain Thiago Silva to make way for 22-year-old Presnel Kimpembe in the centre of the PSG defence. - Difficult night for Neymar - Real supporters chose an image of a famous fan in Rafael Nadal to adorn a display unfurled at the south end of the ground as the sides came out, hoping their team could draw inspiration from someone who has conquered Paris 10 times as French Open champion. The hosts started well too, while Neymar struggled, slipping when one pass was aimed towards him, complaining as a Luka Modric challenge sent him to the floor and picking up a yellow card for a foul on Nacho. Ronaldo, meanwhile, saw Alphonse Areola make a fine save from his net-bound shot after he had been released by Marcelo, and not long after that, in the 33rd minute, PSG scored. Neymar could claim an assist, although it didn't look like the Brazilian meant to help Kylian Mbappe's low ball across the box from the right into the path of Rabiot, who swept home unmarked. PSG had a precious away goal, but they could not hold their lead until the break as Giovani Lo Celso gave away a penalty for a foul on Toni Kroos. Areola, having just made a superb save from Karim Benzema, could do nothing to keep out Ronaldo's spot-kick. The visitors had chances to go ahead again in the second half, Keylor Navas saving well from Mbappe and Sergio Ramos blocking bravely from Rabiot. Emery then surprisingly took off Edinson Cavani and replaced him with Thomas Meunier, a right-back. But it was Zidane's decision to send on Asensio that proved crucial. In the space of three late minutes, Asensio saw one cross palmed out by Areola and then rebound into the net off Ronaldo's thigh, before another assist was finished off by Marcelo, potentially finishing the tie in the process.

Champions League: Real Madrid rule as Ronaldo's double strike drowns PSG

When the whole world is celebrating valentines day, football fanatics will definitely ditch their dates as it is Champions League night.

Now, if the boy chooses to watch this clash over his girl then he might get dumped by his girlfriend.

But this football match is worth that, believe me, there is no way to miss the Neymar-Ronaldo rivalry tonight as it is impossible not to&nbsp;see this tie as a confrontation between the global superstars on each side in Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.

The biggest clash of 2018 till now is set to start. Real Madrid vs Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool vs Porto.

Real Madrid vs Paris Saint Germain

Champions league is back and Zinedine Zidane is hoping the Champions League will again bring out the best in Real Madrid.

The defending champions are set to face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday&#39;s last 16, first leg.

Although, Real Madrid are floundering in La Liga this season, sitting in fourth place, 17 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.

The current performance has even called into question Zidane&#39;s future as coach. Zidane has been going through the toughest period of his short managerial career.

On the other hand, PSG will look forward to winning the contest with a revenge hypothesis as they will never forget the 6-1 humiliation they suffered in Barcelona at the same stage of last year&#39;s Champions League.

PSG fans are hoping there can be no repeat of such an embarrassing defeat, especially with Neymar -- who masterminded that Barcelona comeback -- now in their ranks.

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Kylian Mbapp&eacute;, Edinson Cavani &amp; Neymar have scored 16 of Paris&#39; 25 goals in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> this season... 
 
Best trio in the competition? ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/poIkc5dn5t">pic.twitter.com/poIkc5dn5t</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/963752586967945217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Real Madrid 1 PSG 0 - 2015/16 Champions League group stage

PSG 0 Real Madrid 0 - 2015/16 Champions League group stage

PSG 1 Real Madrid 1 - 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners&#39; Cup quarter-final second leg

Real Madrid 0 PSG 1 - 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners&#39; Cup quarter-final first leg

PSG 4 Real Madrid 1 - 1992/93 UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg

Real Madrid 3 PSG 1 - 1992/93 UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg

As many as 1,800 police officers will be on duty to look out for trouble on what has been classified a &quot;high risk&quot; occasion.

Liverpool vs FC Porto

Also, Liverpool will face FC Porto in the&nbsp;first leg of an intriguing Champions League knockout on&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;at the Estadio do Dragao, Portugal.

Porto had never won against Liverpool in the previous four Champions League clashes and they are looking forward to create history tonight.

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Manchester City have now won 34 games in all competitions this season. ???????????? 
 
2017/18 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> favourites? ???? <a href="https://t.co/bgSGQmyD76">pic.twitter.com/bgSGQmyD76</a>
&mdash; UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/963535576426336259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Previous meetings:

Liverpool 4 Porto 1 - 2007/08 Champions League group stage

Porto 1 Liverpool 1 - 2007/08 Champions League group stage

Liverpool 2 Porto 0 - 2000/01 UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg

Porto 0 Liverpool 0 - 2000/01 UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg

Porto is currently standing at number two in the Group G behind Besiktas and Liverpool are winners of Group E ahead of Sevilla.

&nbsp;

Liverpool will face FC Porto and Real Madrid will face Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of Champions League

When the whole world is celebrating valentines day, football fanatics will definitely ditch their dates as it is Champions League night. Now, if the boy chooses to watch this clash over his girl then he might get dumped by his girlfriend. But this football match is worth that, believe me, there is no way to miss the Neymar-Ronaldo rivalry tonight as it is impossible not to see this tie as a confrontation between the global superstars on each side in Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The biggest clash of 2018 till now is set to start. Real Madrid vs Paris Saint Germain and Liverpool vs Porto. Real Madrid vs Paris Saint Germain Champions league is back and Zinedine Zidane is hoping the Champions League will again bring out the best in Real Madrid. The defending champions are set to face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday's last 16, first leg. Although, Real Madrid are floundering in La Liga this season, sitting in fourth place, 17 points adrift of leaders Barcelona. The current performance has even called into question Zidane's future as coach. Zidane has been going through the toughest period of his short managerial career. On the other hand, PSG will look forward to winning the contest with a revenge hypothesis as they will never forget the 6-1 humiliation they suffered in Barcelona at the same stage of last year's Champions League. PSG fans are hoping there can be no repeat of such an embarrassing defeat, especially with Neymar -- who masterminded that Barcelona comeback -- now in their ranks. Kylian Mbappé, Edinson Cavani & Neymar have scored 16 of Paris' 25 goals in the #UCL this season... Best trio in the competition? ???????????? pic.twitter.com/poIkc5dn5t — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 14, 2018 × Real Madrid 1 PSG 0 - 2015/16 Champions League group stage PSG 0 Real Madrid 0 - 2015/16 Champions League group stage PSG 1 Real Madrid 1 - 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final second leg Real Madrid 0 PSG 1 - 1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup quarter-final first leg PSG 4 Real Madrid 1 - 1992/93 UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg Real Madrid 3 PSG 1 - 1992/93 UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg As many as 1,800 police officers will be on duty to look out for trouble on what has been classified a "high risk" occasion. Liverpool vs FC Porto Also, Liverpool will face FC Porto in the first leg of an intriguing Champions League knockout on Wednesday at the Estadio do Dragao, Portugal. Porto had never won against Liverpool in the previous four Champions League clashes and they are looking forward to create history tonight. Manchester City have now won 34 games in all competitions this season. ???????????? 2017/18 #UCL favourites? ???? pic.twitter.com/bgSGQmyD76 — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 13, 2018 × Previous meetings: Liverpool 4 Porto 1 - 2007/08 Champions League group stage Porto 1 Liverpool 1 - 2007/08 Champions League group stage Liverpool 2 Porto 0 - 2000/01 UEFA Cup quarter-final second leg Porto 0 Liverpool 0 - 2000/01 UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg Porto is currently standing at number two in the Group G behind Besiktas and Liverpool are winners of Group E ahead of Sevilla.

Champions League: These football clashes might make you break up

Brazilian superstar Neymar looks set to return to Paris Saint-Germain against Dijon on Wednesday after coach Unai Emery included him in the Ligue 1 leaders&#39; squad on Tuesday.

Neymar missed Sunday&#39;s 1-0 win at Nantes due to a rib injury but Spaniard Emery believes he should be recovered in time.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-why-referee-tony-chapron-is-suspended-29673" target="_blank">How French referee Tony Chapron &#39;tackled&#39; Diego Carlos</a>

&quot;Neymar trained well (on Monday). He&#39;ll still feel pain for a few days but he took part in training and finished it well,&quot; said the former Sevilla coach.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd-eVEJjtwI/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">⚽️????????&zwj;♂️????</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neymarjr/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Nj ???????? ???? neymarjr</a> (@neymarjr) on <time datetime="2018-01-15T16:04:44+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 15, 2018 at 8:04am PST</time>
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&nbsp;

&quot;He&#39;ll need a week or two for the pain to pass. He&#39;s fine in non-contact (training) but if he takes a knock in the same area, the pain will persist.

&quot;We&#39;ll see but he should be ready (to face Dijon).&quot;

Brazilian-born Italy international midfielder Thiago Motta is not fit to return from a calf injury, though.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Coach Unai Emery included him in the Ligue 1 leaders' squad to play against Dijon on Wednesday

Brazilian superstar Neymar looks set to return to Paris Saint-Germain against Dijon on Wednesday after coach Unai Emery included him in the Ligue 1 leaders' squad on Tuesday. Neymar missed Sunday's 1-0 win at Nantes due to a rib injury but Spaniard Emery believes he should be recovered in time. Watch: How French referee Tony Chapron 'tackled' Diego Carlos "Neymar trained well (on Monday). He'll still feel pain for a few days but he took part in training and finished it well," said the former Sevilla coach. ⚽️????????‍♂️???? A post shared by Nj ???????? ???? neymarjr (@neymarjr) on Jan 15, 2018 at 8:04am PST × "He'll need a week or two for the pain to pass. He's fine in non-contact (training) but if he takes a knock in the same area, the pain will persist. "We'll see but he should be ready (to face Dijon)." Brazilian-born Italy international midfielder Thiago Motta is not fit to return from a calf injury, though.

Neymar set to return after injury

Football legend Pele, 77, is confident that Brazil has a strong chance to win the FIFA World Cup due to begin&nbsp;in June.

Five-time winners Brazil were thrashed 7-1 in the 2014 semi-finals by Germany, but Pele has faith in the newly appointed coach, Adenor Leonardo Bacchi.

He advised&nbsp;the Brazilian&nbsp;footballers to play as a team&nbsp;and not rely on just one or two players.

&quot;Whenever Brazil won World Cups it was not because of Pele, Zico&hellip; it was because of the team,&quot; he said.

The king of football was honoured on Monday in Rio de Janeiro during an event to launch the 2018 edition of the Rio State League.

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Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele uses a walking frame as he greets supporters. (AFP)
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Pele is recovering from several surgeries. In the backstage, he denied to take any assistance&nbsp;to reach the stage, he said his walker is the&nbsp;&quot;new God-given boots&quot;.

&quot;I&#39;m fine, thank goodness, and I want to thank all those who sent me messages wishing me a good recovery from all over the world,&quot; he said.

He also criticised the current scenario of football and mentioned that very few players are emerging as legends.

&quot;Today, there are only three players who really stand out; Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar,&quot; he said.

Pele stated that, in the past, you could name several star footballers who played at the same time, such as Portugal&#39;s Eusebio, Germany&#39;s Franz Beckenbauer, England&#39;s Bobby Moore and his Brazil teammates such as Tostao, Jairzinho among others.

Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals during his career, despite any comparisons that might one day appear, &quot;there will be no other Pele&quot;.

&nbsp;

Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals during his career is confident that Brazil has a strong chance to win FIFA World Cup 2018

Football legend Pele, 77, is confident that Brazil has a strong chance to win the FIFA World Cup due to begin in June. Five-time winners Brazil were thrashed 7-1 in the 2014 semi-finals by Germany, but Pele has faith in the newly appointed coach, Adenor Leonardo Bacchi. He advised the Brazilian footballers to play as a team and not rely on just one or two players. "Whenever Brazil won World Cups it was not because of Pele, Zico… it was because of the team," he said. The king of football was honoured on Monday in Rio de Janeiro during an event to launch the 2018 edition of the Rio State League. Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele uses a walking frame as he greets supporters. (AFP) × Pele is recovering from several surgeries. In the backstage, he denied to take any assistance to reach the stage, he said his walker is the "new God-given boots". "I'm fine, thank goodness, and I want to thank all those who sent me messages wishing me a good recovery from all over the world," he said. He also criticised the current scenario of football and mentioned that very few players are emerging as legends. "Today, there are only three players who really stand out; Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar," he said. Pele stated that, in the past, you could name several star footballers who played at the same time, such as Portugal's Eusebio, Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, England's Bobby Moore and his Brazil teammates such as Tostao, Jairzinho among others. Pele, who scored over 1,000 goals during his career, despite any comparisons that might one day appear, "there will be no other Pele".

Watch: Pele 'guides' Brazil ahead of FIFA World Cup

Lionel Messi netted twice in Barcelona&#39;s convincing 3-0 victory over Juventus that kicked off their Champions League campaign in style, while Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea also won big on Tuesday.

After a troubled summer, a home meeting with last season&#39;s runners-up may not have been what Barcelona wanted, but Messi was at his brilliant best to give the Catalans the three points.

New signing Ousmane Dembele was handed a first Barcelona start at the Camp Nou but it was Messi who got the opening goal on the stroke of half-time after a brilliant exchange of passes with Luis Suarez.

It was fine play from the Argentine that led to Ivan Rakitic doubling Barca&#39;s lead on 56 minutes and Messi saved the best for last with a sublime goal to complete the victory midway through the second half.

&quot;I have suffered many times playing against Messi and now I have the luck to have him on my side,&quot; said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

The result gave Barcelona revenge for their defeat to Juventus in last season&#39;s quarter-finals and leaves them on top of Group D alongside Sporting Lisbon, who won 3-2 away to Olympiakos in Greece.

Sporting, who had been three goals up at half-time, host Barcelona next.

While Barcelona adapt to life without Neymar, the Brazilian is enjoying life with PSG and scored the opener in their superb 5-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow.

Neymar silenced the Parkhead crowd in the 19th minute for his fifth goal in five appearances for PSG, and he then set up Kylian Mbappe to make it 2-0.

Edinson Cavani -- the third member of PSG&#39;s &#39;MCN&#39; front three -- won and converted a penalty to put the visitors out of sight before the interval.

A Mikael Lustig own goal on 83 minutes and another for Cavani put the seal on PSG&#39;s victory and left Celtic to contemplate their heaviest ever home defeat in Europe.

&quot;It was a great match and very important to win. It is always a pleasure to play alongside great players,&quot; Neymar told beIN Sports.

PSG&#39;s next opponents in Group B will be five-time European champions Bayern Munich, who began their campaign by brushing aside Anderlecht 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.

The game was conditioned by the early sending-off of Anderlecht&#39;s Sven Kums for giving away a penalty that Robert Lewandowski converted.

Alexandru Chipciu did hit the post for the 10 men when it was still 1-0 but Bayern added two more goals in the second half, with Joshua Kimmich setting up Thiago Alcantara to score before wrapping up the win himself.

Fellaini United&#39;s fixer 
Substitute Marouane Fellaini was an unlikely source of inspiration as Manchester United comfortably defeated Basel 3-0 in Group A on their return to the Champions League.

Fellaini came on for the injured Paul Pogba and gave United a 35th-minute lead at a drizzly Old Trafford. He later teed up Marcus Rashford for the hosts&#39; third goal after Romelu Lukaku had struck early in the second period.

It was United&#39;s first Champions League game since December 2015, with Jose Mourinho&#39;s side having engineered a return to the competition by winning the Europa League last season.

In the same group, CSKA Moscow came from behind to beat Portuguese champions Benfica 2-1 in Lisbon with Timur Zhamaletdinov getting their winner. CSKA entertain United later this month.

Mourinho&#39;s old club Chelsea were the biggest winners on the night, thrashing group stage newcomers Qarabag 6-0 at Stamford Bridge in Group C.

A superb Pedro Rodriguez strike set Chelsea on their way before recent signing Davide Zappacosta&#39;s intended cross flew in to make it 2-0 before the interval.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko scored after the break and Michy Batshuayi added the fifth before forcing Maksim Medvedev into the own goal that completed the rout.

Chelsea next go to Atletico Madrid, who drew 0-0 at Roma on Tuesday.

Messi scored twice for Barcelona, Neymar scored the opener in PSG's superb 5-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow

Lionel Messi netted twice in Barcelona's convincing 3-0 victory over Juventus that kicked off their Champions League campaign in style, while Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea also won big on Tuesday. After a troubled summer, a home meeting with last season's runners-up may not have been what Barcelona wanted, but Messi was at his brilliant best to give the Catalans the three points. New signing Ousmane Dembele was handed a first Barcelona start at the Camp Nou but it was Messi who got the opening goal on the stroke of half-time after a brilliant exchange of passes with Luis Suarez. It was fine play from the Argentine that led to Ivan Rakitic doubling Barca's lead on 56 minutes and Messi saved the best for last with a sublime goal to complete the victory midway through the second half. "I have suffered many times playing against Messi and now I have the luck to have him on my side," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. The result gave Barcelona revenge for their defeat to Juventus in last season's quarter-finals and leaves them on top of Group D alongside Sporting Lisbon, who won 3-2 away to Olympiakos in Greece. Sporting, who had been three goals up at half-time, host Barcelona next. While Barcelona adapt to life without Neymar, the Brazilian is enjoying life with PSG and scored the opener in their superb 5-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow. Neymar silenced the Parkhead crowd in the 19th minute for his fifth goal in five appearances for PSG, and he then set up Kylian Mbappe to make it 2-0. Edinson Cavani -- the third member of PSG's 'MCN' front three -- won and converted a penalty to put the visitors out of sight before the interval. A Mikael Lustig own goal on 83 minutes and another for Cavani put the seal on PSG's victory and left Celtic to contemplate their heaviest ever home defeat in Europe. "It was a great match and very important to win. It is always a pleasure to play alongside great players," Neymar told beIN Sports. PSG's next opponents in Group B will be five-time European champions Bayern Munich, who began their campaign by brushing aside Anderlecht 3-0 at the Allianz Arena. The game was conditioned by the early sending-off of Anderlecht's Sven Kums for giving away a penalty that Robert Lewandowski converted. Alexandru Chipciu did hit the post for the 10 men when it was still 1-0 but Bayern added two more goals in the second half, with Joshua Kimmich setting up Thiago Alcantara to score before wrapping up the win himself. Fellaini United's fixer Substitute Marouane Fellaini was an unlikely source of inspiration as Manchester United comfortably defeated Basel 3-0 in Group A on their return to the Champions League. Fellaini came on for the injured Paul Pogba and gave United a 35th-minute lead at a drizzly Old Trafford. He later teed up Marcus Rashford for the hosts' third goal after Romelu Lukaku had struck early in the second period. It was United's first Champions League game since December 2015, with Jose Mourinho's side having engineered a return to the competition by winning the Europa League last season. In the same group, CSKA Moscow came from behind to beat Portuguese champions Benfica 2-1 in Lisbon with Timur Zhamaletdinov getting their winner. CSKA entertain United later this month. Mourinho's old club Chelsea were the biggest winners on the night, thrashing group stage newcomers Qarabag 6-0 at Stamford Bridge in Group C. A superb Pedro Rodriguez strike set Chelsea on their way before recent signing Davide Zappacosta's intended cross flew in to make it 2-0 before the interval. Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko scored after the break and Michy Batshuayi added the fifth before forcing Maksim Medvedev into the own goal that completed the rout. Chelsea next go to Atletico Madrid, who drew 0-0 at Roma on Tuesday.

Champions League: Barcelona beat Juventus; PSG, ManU & Chelsea win big

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