Before kickoff at São Januário, Thiago Mendes deliberately ignored Neymar during the handshake line, reviving a feud that began in 2020.

The original incident occurred during a Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon, where Thiago’s reckless challenge left Neymar with an ankle sprain. Although Thiago apologized on social media, Neymar’s father publicly criticized the tackle as violent and irresponsible.

This February, tensions flared again when the two confronted each other on the pitch. Neymar accused Thiago of provocation, referencing the 2020 incident. Both received yellow cards after a heated exchange that included Neymar falling to the ground following contact with Thiago’s face.

In a post-match interview, Neymar called Thiago an idiot and claimed he had threatened him during their latest confrontation.