Vinicius Jr pens heartfelt message to Brazil fans after Copa America 2024 elimination
Superstar forward Vinicius Jr penned a heartfelt message to Brazil fans after their elimination at the hands of Uruguay in the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024. The two sides remained deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 but Dorival Junior's side lost 4-2 on penalties.
Vinicius did not feature in the high-octane encounter after picking up a yellow card against Colombia (1-1) in the last game of the group stage. Due to his previous caution against Paraguay, he was handed a suspension for the quarter-finals.
Brazil failed to create chances in the absence of their superstar. Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick, who was handed his first start of the tournament, failed to find his goalscoring form, and Rodrygo and Raphinha looked devoid of ideas.
Misses from Douglas Luiz and Eder Militao in the shootout condemned the Selecao to defeat. Vinicius ended his Copa America 2024 campaign with two goals in four appearances, both of them being in Brazil's 4-1 win against Paraguay.
The result sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with many fans being critical of Vini's performances in the competition. In response, the Real Madrid forward released an apology to the fans, which read (via @theMadridZone on X):
"Copa America is over and it's time to reflect, know how to deal with defeat. The feeling of frustration kicks in again and again on the penalties. I failed to get two yellow cards. Watched the elimination from outside again but this time it’s my fault. I apologize for that. I know how to listen to the criticism and the harshest ones, believe me, I come from within."
"My national team journey, fortunately, is just beginning. Next to my teammates, I'll have the chance to relocate our national team to the place it deserves. WE WILL BE BACK ON TOP! LOVE YOU AND WE ARE TOGETHER!" Vinicius concluded.
Vinicius Jr's ex-Real Madrid teammate backs him to win Ballon d'Or despite Brazil's Copa America setback
Former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez backed his ex-teammate Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d'Or despite Brazil's elimination from Copa America 2024.
The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2023-24, racking up 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid. He helped his side win La Liga, Supercopa de Espana (hat-trick in the final against Barcelona) and the UEFA Champions League (goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund).
These trophies were lifted by Nacho, who was the captain of Real Madrid for the 2023-24 campaign. He announced his departure to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah a few weeks ago.
Speaking after Spain's victory over Germany in the quarter-final of Euro 2024, the 34-year-old said (via Madrid Xtra):
"Ballon d'Or? Without a doubt, Vinicius. For what he did with Real Madrid and what we won. Without a doubt."