On the opening day of the Brazilian team in the World Cup 2026President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) recorded a message to the team’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
In a video published on social media, Lula asked the team to play “thinking about the Brazilian people” and highlighted that in the world championship we “don’t compete, we win”.
“What counts is determination! What counts is the cohesion of the team, the unity of the team, the harmony of the team. They have to be well, they have to be motivated and they have to play thinking about the Brazilian people, who are in need of a victory. If you achieve this, Ancelotti, you will become our hero”, he stated.
“You have a team, we don’t compete in the World Cup, we win! We don’t have to go to compete, we have to go to win“, added the agent.
In the video, Lula also highlighted that the country may not have “the best team in the world”, but it has the “best team in Brazil”.
“It’s her [seleção] you chose are the players you know can do what you expect them to do. So, give these boys some advice: besides playing ball, which you know how to play, play with a little soul. When you fall, get up. When you fall, don’t complain, get up and take the ball away from your opponent.“, he continued.
The Chief Executive then asked that, “for the love of God”, the players kick the ball into the opponent’s goal:
“And remember one thing: what counts is kicking the ball into the opponent’s goal and it goes in. What matters is the ball in the opponent’s goal, so whenever you can, shoot! For the love of God, kick!”
Professor Carlo Ancelotti and players from our beloved Brazilian team, today’s message is for you.
The World Cup has started and now it’s time to play with determination, dedication and team spirit. Football is won within the four lines, with concentration, dedication,…
— Lula (@LulaOficial)
The Brazilian team will enter the field from 7pm (Brasília) against Morocco at the New York and New Jersey Stadium, which will also host the World Cup final.
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