Brazil vs. Mexico: Neymar Must Listen to Pele to Achieve Greatness

Occasionally, football legend Pele will say something about the sport he used to dominate that offers some candid and honest insight. Following Brazil's 2-0 defeat to Mexico this past weekend, Pele shared some helpful insight with the press, and Neymar should take notice. 

Last time Pele made news talking about Neymar, he was busy saying the 20-year-old Brazilian was better than Lionel Messi, but this time we get something rooted in a little more honesty, or truth at least.

The Agence France-Presse shares this quote from Pele on Brazil and Neymar following their loss to Mexico: 

"It is a good team, with good players but not yet ready to overcome difficulties" when they arise," said Pele, who indicated he felt Neymar "has difficulty playing against a European or Latin American" defender—more so than against Brazilian league rivals.

"He stays stuck out there on the left but that doesn't just happen in the national side but also with Santos," Pele charged, urging Neymar to move inside and become more involved in dictating the play.

Uh...Pele? You know that is the same guy you had recently said was better than Messi, right? Last time I checked, Messi was making scoring goals on European and Latin American defenders look easier than breathing. 

But Pele's illogical and pointed comments are not the point here. This is about the one that makes sense, and that is Neymar has to get that killer attitude and play like he owns the pitch. 

El Tri was able to take Neymar completely out of his game. Severo Meza marked Neymar for the majority of this contest, and he forced his will on the young star. It was hard to even tell that Neymar was on the pitch for much of the game. 

The Brazilian striker is far too talented for this to happen. As Pele said, he needs to be more active. He needs to make sure he is an integral part of the match.

This is when the competitive fire has to take over and Neymar has to be driven to find a way to succeed.