NEYMAR sent his ex-Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez a message of encouragement after the striker broke down in tears with Uruguay eliminated from the Copa America.
The 15-time tournament winners were beaten 5-4 by Peru in a shootout — after Suarez was one of three Uruguay players to have goals ruled out for offside in the 120 goalless minutes.
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Suarez missed Uruguay’s first shootout spot-kick but everyone else converted theirs, as Edison Flores sealed Peru’s place in the last four by blasting past Fernando Muslera.
After the loss the former Liverpool player was distraught in floods of tears as his side missed out on a semi-final place.
Brazilian superstar Neymar, who is ruled out of the competition through an ankle injury, consoled Suarez posting a message on his Instagram story.
Neymar wrote: “Get up.
“You are very great, brother. I love you friend.”
Peru will face neighbours Chile in the last four, with tournament hosts Brazil meeting arch rivals Argentina in the other semi-final clash.
As Neymar watches from the sidelines the 27-year-old is heavily linked with a return to Barca, where he would be reunited with his “brother” Suarez.
Barca sold Neymar for a record £198million to PSG in 2017, but injuries and off-field antics have left the French champions open to selling the forward back to Blaugrana.
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Neymar and Suarez spent three seasons together leading Barca’s attack alongside Lionel Messi, and won La Liga and Champions League trophies during that time.
Nou Camp chiefs are now plotting a clearance in order to re-sign the PSG star.
It is thought ex-Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho could be included in a deal to sign Neymar, but Frenchman Ousmane Dembele will not be sold.
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