Brazil President, Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva, has joked that Neymar is “the first player in the world to be called up to the national side and be working remotely.”
The 80-year-old was speaking during a ceremony at a hospital in the southeast city of Belo Horizonte.
Neymar only returned to training with the squad this week after recovering from a calf injury.
The 34-year-old, who is Brazil’s record goalscorer with 79 goals, missed the opening 1-1 draw with Morocco.
He has also been omitted by coach Carlo Ancelotti from the squad for their second group game against Haiti on Saturday.
“Neymar? He is not even playing!” Lula replied to a young boy when he mentioned Neymar’s name.
“Neymar is the first player to be called up (to the national team) who is working remotely.”
