Philippe Coutinho is said to feel a ‘great sadness’ at failing to join Barcelona.
The Liverpool playmaker marked his return to action following a back injury during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador on Thursday.
Coutinho doubled his country’s advantage in Port Alegre with a close-range finish in his first game in almost a month, when his Reds’ future appeared uncertain.
Barcelona saw three offers for the 25-year-old all rejected by Anfield chiefs while the players’ own bid to force through a move with a transfer request was also denied.
Neymar, who recently left the Catalans for Paris Saint-Germain, believes his international team mate is hurting from his dream move to the Nou Camp being dashed.
He said: “I’m very happy that he scored a goal because at this moment he lives a very great sadness.
“He helped us to the victory. He’s a great player and did very well when he came on.
“We were calm and patient. It was a different game to the ones we had before as they sat deep.
“This team is looking increasingly better at everything and we will grow more.”