Credit: Twitter
The CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers on Tuesday night between Uruguay and Brazil at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo, Uruguay saw the hosts registering their first win against the five-time World Cup winners after 22 years. However, Uruguay's victory was marred by Brazilian star Neymar Jr.'s apparent leg injury that forced him to leave the game on a stretcher.
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Uruguay scored two past Brazil in the qualifier as Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez brought his A-game by scoring the opener and assisting the second goal in his team's 2-0 victory against the Selecao. Nunez broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute and assisted midfielder Nicolas de la Cruz for the second goal in the 77th minute.
During the final minutes of the first half, Uruguay were leading 1-0 as the 31-year-old Brazilian tried to bring his team back into the game. However, a horrific tackle from De la Cruz left Neymar on the ground in pain as players from both sides surrounded the Brazilian, who was holding his left knee. Neymar was left in tears as he was stretchered off after the tackle and Richarlison replaced him.
Watch Neymar's horrific injury:
While there was no immediate update on Neymar's injury, Brazilian team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said, "These 24 hours will be important to see how the knee will respond, how will be the swelling. Imaging tests that will define a definitive diagnosis. It's too early to say (if it's a ligament injury). Let's wait for the exams calmly, evaluate calmly, and as soon as we have a definition we will let you know."
After his injury, the Al-Hilal star could be seen leaving the stadium on crutches, however, he still found time to greet a young fan and also clicked a picture.
Watch the video here:
After the match, Neymar took to his Instagram handle and shared a story, which was in Portuguese, that can be translated to, "Before the match I posted this verse - In his heart man plans his path. But the Lord determines his steps."
He added, " God knows everything. All the honor and all the glory will always be yours, my Lord. No matter what, I have faith," he said in the post. "
