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Lula jokes about signing Messi after Brazil's World Cup draw

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:53 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

Lula jokes about signing Messi after Brazil's World Cup draw

Summary

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made a light-hearted comment about signing Argentina's Lionel Messi in response to Brazil's performance at the World Cup. After Brazil's opening match ended in a 1-1 draw against Morocco, Lula suggested that bringing Messi into the team could improve their chances. He downplayed the draw, claiming Morocco was Brazil's strongest opponent in the group. Brazil is set to face Haiti next. Meanwhile, Neymar returned to training after a calf injury, although his participation in the tournament remains uncertain.

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•Brazil drew 1-1 against Morocco in their World Cup opener.
•Lula humorously suggested signing Messi for the national team.
•Neymar returned to training after a calf injury.
•Brazil will play Haiti next in the group stage.

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7:53 PMYahoo Sports — Lula jokes he is thinking of 'signing Messi' for Brazil

What they're saying

"
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva suggested Wednesday that Brazil should hire Argentina's Lionel Messi, when asked about his country's performance in the World Cup so far."I was thinking about signing Messi to play for Brazil," Lula said, laughing, when journalists asked him about his country's showing at the World Cup.
— Yahoo Sports

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