Neymar Celebrates Boca Juniors' Victory and Copa Sudamericana Final Berth
Neymar celebrated Boca Juniors' qualification for the Copa Sudamericana final with a message dedicated to Leandro Paredes. The Brazilian star showed off a jersey belonging to his former teammate, while also reigniting attention around his dispute with Thiago Mendes of Vasco da Gama.
Boca Juniors' historic 3-1 victory over Vasco da Gama at the Maracanã sparked celebrations not only among Argentine supporters. Neymar also joined the festivities after the Argentine club secured its place in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final.
The Brazilian star, currently playing for Santos, took to Instagram Stories to share a special message for Leandro Paredes, who played a decisive role in the qualification with an 88th-minute goal.
In the post, Neymar displayed an Argentina national team jersey bearing Paredes' number five, which he keeps framed as part of his personal collection.
The shirt holds special significance because the two players exchanged jerseys following the 2021 Copa América final, which was also played at the Maracanã.
The Friendship Between Neymar and Leandro Paredes
The relationship between the two players began during their time at Paris Saint-Germain, where they were teammates from 2019 to 2022.
During that period, Neymar and Paredes developed a close friendship alongside players such as Lionel Messi and Ángel Di María.
Following the victory over Vasco da Gama, the Argentine midfielder confirmed to ESPN that he had spoken with the Brazilian star both before and after the match.
The two also remain in contact through social media and have exchanged Boca Juniors and Santos jerseys.
Paredes has even publicly expressed his desire to play alongside Neymar again, although he acknowledges the forward's strong connection to the Brazilian club.
The Thiago Mendes Dispute Behind Neymar's Celebration
The celebration also carries another meaning involving Thiago Mendes, a midfielder for Vasco da Gama.
According to information published by Infobae, Mendes ignored Neymar's attempt to greet him several months earlier, before a Brasileirão match between Santos and Vasco.
The incident occurred when the Brazilian star extended his hand during the pre-match formalities, but the opposing player continued walking without acknowledging him.
Because of that previous encounter, Neymar's social media post following Vasco's elimination was also interpreted as an indirect message aimed at Mendes.
Boca Juniors Aim for Third Copa Sudamericana Title
Boca Juniors secured qualification thanks to Leandro Paredes' 88th-minute goal, which sealed the 3-1 victory at the Maracanã.
The Argentine club will now compete in the final on November 21 in Barranquilla, Colombia, aiming to claim its third Copa Sudamericana title.
Key Takeaways
- Neymar celebrated Boca Juniors' qualification for the final.
- The Brazilian star displayed an Argentina national team jersey belonging to Leandro Paredes.
- The two players have maintained a close friendship since their time at PSG.
- The post also brought renewed attention to the dispute between Neymar and Thiago Mendes.
- Paredes scored the decisive goal against Vasco da Gama in the 88th minute.
- Boca Juniors will pursue their third Copa Sudamericana title on November 21.
