Neymar Jr. spotted partying before missing Brazil vs Argentina match

The Brazilian formerly hit back at critics for focusing on his activities away from the pitch

Brazil and Argentina played out a 0-0 draw on Tuesday as part of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Despite the fact that Brazil made it through to Qatar, many are not pleased to see Neymar Jr. partying over the weekend and missing the match due to an unrelated adductor injury.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward went home to Brazil for the international break but was forced to sit out the match against major rivals Argentina due to the muscle strain. However, photos and videos of him partying in Sao Paolo over the weekend have been leaked, and critics have been quick to judge.

According to Marca, Brazilian sports show "Os donos da bola" released the images from the night out, where he was seen dancing and enjoying himself. TV host and former footballer Neto said about Neymar's decision to skip the big match: "With adductor pain you can play. With muscle pain you can play. With a metatarsal problem you can play. I broke mine, and it is possible to play."

He then threw shade at Neymar, implying that the PSG forward chose to party instead of playing for his country. "Anyone who has a pain in the adductor or muscle pain doesn't dance like that," said Neto.

Neymar has not responded directly to Neto, but he has previously slammed those who have criticised him about his activities outside the pitch. "People say 'Ah, Neymar doesn't take care of himself, Neymar is this, Neymar is that. How can you be at the top for 12 years without taking care of yourself? Nobody gets that," he said.

He then clarified that he works with a physio and fitness coach religiously, and no one should judge him for doing what makes him happy during his free time. "I go out when I can. I go out when possible, when I know that I will not have training the next day. I'm not going to stop doing anything. What's the problem?," he added, before pointing out that what matters is what he does on the pitch. "You have to criticise me for what I do on the pitch. There I allow you to speak. But not for what I do off it."