The conflict between Thiago Mendes and Neymar began in 2020, during a game between PSG and Lyon in the French Championship. Neymar suffered a foul from Thiago Mendes, which led to a heated exchange between the two players. Thiago Mendes was subsequently expelled after a VAR review and was later punished with a three-game ban by the French Football Federation.
In the aftermath of the incident, Thiago Mendes took to social media to apologize to Neymar, who had suffered a minor injury to his left ankle and returned to play in mid-January 2021. However, Neymar's father used social media to criticize Thiago Mendes, and the midfielder claimed that his family was threatened as a result.
The conflict between the two players has not been resolved six years later, and the stage is set for a decisive clash in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. Vasco and Santos are both struggling in the relegation zone, and the match has significant implications for their chances of avoiding relegation.
Thiago Mendes is the top scorer for Vasco this year with six goals, while Neymar has nine goals this season. The two players will face off in a highly anticipated duel, with Thiago Mendes assuming a key role for Vasco and Neymar leading the charge for Santos.
The match between Vasco and Santos is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 16:00 in São Januário, with the two teams looking to secure a crucial victory in their bid to avoid relegation.