Neymar has scored 77 goals in 124 caps for Brazil (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Brazil legend Ronaldo has urged Neymar to not retire from international duty following their hugely disappointing 2022 World Cup exit.

A Selecao went to Qatar as the favourites with talisman Neymar looking to win the biggest prize in football and end his country’s 20-year wait for a record-extending sixth World Cup triumph.

But it was not to be, as Brazil shockingly exited the tournament at the quarter-final stage after losing to Croatia on penalties.

Following the match, a number of their key players including captain Thiago Silva and Neymar hinted that their time with the national team was at an end, with the PSG forward in floods of tears on the pitch.

Neymar will be 34 by the time the 2026 World Cup is held across North America and while he will most likely be past his peak as a player, Ronaldo believes he still has a vital role to play for his country.

‘I think Neymar is very upset with the result of the World Cup for the Brazil national team,’ the legendary striker told AP.

‘It’s normal that he’s feeling that way for now, but I’m also sure that he will come back stronger and continue playing with the national team.

Ronaldo, left, won the World Cup twice with Brazil (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

‘I’m very happy that he showed the world a commitment for the last six months, for the Brazil national team. He behaved himself. He took care of himself.’

On a personal level, it was a mixed World Cup for Neymar, who missed the second and third group games with an ankle injury, but impressed in the matches he did play.

He scored twice in Qatar, via a penalty against South Korea and a superb strike against Croatia, to bring his tally for Brazil to 77 goals, equalling the record set by the legendary Pele.

Ronaldo added: ‘He played a good match, the first match. He got a very strong tackle on his ankle.

‘He made a huge sacrifice to play again for the national team. He played very good in the last match. I think he’s very important for us.

So I hope that [he] gets well soon and back strong in the football world with PSG and the Brazil national team.’

Neymar has never won a major trophy with his country, having missed the 2019 Copa America triumph through injury, so while he may have played at his last World Cup, it is possible he will stick around for the 2024 Copa America.

Croatia meanwhile have advanced to the semi-final where they will face Argentina on Tuesday evening.

MORE : What time does Argentina vs Croatia kick-off and what TV channel is it on?

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