The atmosphere was wild. Antonella and I were in the VIP section of the crowd, separating us from the fans. I thought it would've been more fun to be with everyone chanting and screaming but at least I get to be closer to Barcas bench so I can talk to them when they're off.
Neymar had the ball, running up the left wing. Two defenders from the opposing team ran up behind him and another in front. I stood up in suspense, knowing it wasn't going to end well. He kicked the ball over the defenders right shoulder and ran round his left before assisting Messi who shot the ball into the bottom right corner.
The defenders who were behind him pushed and shoved Neymar out of frustration. They were losing 2-0 now. Neymar raised his eyebrows and looked at them, smiling. Oh shit. However, nothing was done. Which confused me but I was happy nonetheless, I've been telling him that he needs to control his anger on the pitch.
The defender, who I could now read his number which was 24, had the ball down near their own goal. They passed it around, slowly moving up the pitch. Me and Neymar made eye contact before he ran forwards, putting pressure on the ball.
24 passed it to 17 and 17 passed it back. Neymar took his chance and slide tackled number 24's legs. You could tell he wasn't even going for the ball. I put my head in my hands as Antonella laughed.
"I've told him however many times to just let it go! He's such an idiot!" I said annoyed but now leaning against the barrier to see what was being done on the pitch better.
"You guys argue like a married couple. When are you going to start dating?" She asked, causing me to choke on the water I had been anxiously sipping on.
"You what?" I said, awkwardly laughing.
"You heard me, Amelia. You hug each other, lay on each other, sleep with each other, eat with each other. We all know soon it will be having kids with each other," she said raising her eyebrows and grinning at me.
"Stop, we're just friends. I couldn't date him anyway, imagine something went wrong and ten years of friendship goes down the drain? No way, would I ever let that happen," I said stressing on the word 'ever'.
I knew I found him attractive, but so do most girls. It didn't mean anything. And yeah, sure he was sweet and always a gentleman but like, come on. Me and Neymar? Never gonna happen.
"Whatever helps you sleep at night," Ant said laughing as she reapplied some lipgloss, "Oh, it's Neymar's arms that help you sleep at night, isn't it?"
I groaned and put my head in my hands, choosing to simply ignore her and focus on the game.
24 was still rolling about on the floor gripping his ankle as Neymar tried covering his laugh as the ref approached them. Words were said and soon Neymar's hands were in the air as he acted confused on why he got a yellow. Idiot.
The game went on for another six minutes until we reached half time.
The players approached their bench, looking absolutely wrecked except from Neymar who had barely broke a sweat. They all grabbed their waters and started approaching the tunnel.
"Ney, wait!" I shouted so that he stopped whilst I made my way down the stairs next to the section I was sat in. There was a barrier separating me from the field but he lifted me over it anyway.
"You okay, princesa?" He asked, putting an arm around me as we made a slow walk to the tunnel.
"Is number 24 okay is what we should be asking," I said with a slight smile but also a pointed look at him.
He grinned, "Come on! He had that coming, plus I barely touched him. He was being dramatic!"
I simply shook my head and laughed.
"I don't think I'm allowed through there, but I'll be in the same section with Ant, yeah?" I said, turning around to walk back.
"No hug?" He asked, sticking out his bottom lip.
"You're sweating Ney."
"Barely! I knew you wouldn't hug me if I was," He said laughing and hugging me, much against my own will.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever, good luck!" I kissed his cheek and hopped back over the barrier to where Antonella was looking at me smiling.
"That was so cute!" She squealed making me roll my eyes, "No, literally. I wish me and Leo were like you guys and you're not even dating! He just said he tried not to sweat because he knew you wouldn't hug him. That's why he wasn't running as much or arguing with that guy!"
"You're twisting his words, shush!"
"You can't live in denial forever amiga," she said grinning from ear to ear, making me suppress another groan.
We went and got some snacks and joked around until half time was over and the players started filing back onto the pitch. Messi blew a kiss to Antonella, which she pretended to catch, causing myself to laugh.
"You shut up! Let's see what your lover boy greets you with," She taunted, giggling.
I rolled my eyes but was also intrigued to see how Neymar would greet me. If he'd greet me at all. Since we are only just friends.
He came out the tunnel a bit later than everyone else and for some reason was kept on the bench as everyone took their places on the field.
"Ney! Why aren't you on?" I shouted over the crowd. He looked pissed off but his expression softened when he turned to see me.
He got up and walked over to the barrier.
"Coach was pissed at how I handled them defenders so I'm not allowed on. He'll cave in though after he realises how badly he needs my amazing self on there," he said grinning.
"You're so self centred!" I said laughing.
"And you're not?" He said laughing even harder.
"Hey! Love yourself before loving others," I said as an excuse which just made us both erupt into another fit of laughs.
Antonella was looking in between the two of us as he faced the pitch, leaning back on the barrier and I did the same but with my arms round his neck and my head on his. I knew she was about to take a picture to tease us with later on tonight but I secretly loved it so acted as if I didn't know.
Neymar was right as his coach called him over after about five minutes and told him to warm up. He looked back at me and winked to tell me 'i told you so' making me laugh. He ran up and down the side of the pitch and I watched as Ant started making kissy noises.
"Be quiet! We're friends!" I said slightly pushing her away from me, making her laugh.
"I hope one of you wake up soon and realise how madly in love you are with the other," she said quite seriously as she took a bite out a chocolate bar.
I ignored her and went on my phone. 679 notifications from instagram. The photo.
I had a whole bunch of new followers and random dm's asking me who I was.
I pulled up messages and texted Rafa a cute I hate you message before shutting my phone off, deciding to deal with it all later.
The whistle blew and it was the end of the match. They won 4-1. Everyone was collecting their stuff but the same shit talking guys sat in the section behind us carried on.
"Yeah it's that Neymar kid, honestly. He's like a spoilt kid not getting his way."
"Yeah he should go into acting not football," the other guy laughed.
I turned around, trying not to sound too angry.
"Do you want to shut up?" I ordered more than asking.
The older one spoke up first, "No I don't want to actually."
"Well you should. Your skins getting saggy round your mouth with wrinkles mate," I said rolling my eyes causing Ant to start laughing.
"She's just another crazy fangirl. Probably doesn't even know anything about football," the other said.
"I'm sorry that your receding hairline isn't getting you any fangirls. I'm sure a hair transplant could help if you sort out your shit personality out first," I said smiling sweetly before climbing the barrier to congratulate the team.
I spudded Messi first as he was closest, "Well done, you played well! Ant's proud of you!" I winked making him laugh and approach her.
I spoke to a few of their other teammates before I felt hand on my waist from behind me. I turned around to face my best friend.
"You did so good!" I said hugging him, despite the sweat that dropped from his forehead and chest.
"Thanks linda," he said hugging me back and then grabbing his kit bag.
We walked towards the tunnel together when I heard the same annoying voice.
"Oh look bro! She's not his fangirl, she's his slag!"
All of a sudden, Neymar wasn't at my side anymore and his fist was colliding with the man's jaw. He went for the other guy as well but the barrier stopped him as the guy stepped backwards.
"Watch your mouths, fat bastards," he spat as three security guards pulled him back and into the tunnel.
I stood in shock a little bit. The comment didn't really affect me. I didn't care. Seems like he did though.
We met Messi and Antonella in the car park outside and Neymar was explaining what happened.
"Well did she tell you what happened before that?" Ant asked him, smirking.
"No, what?" He turned to face me, obviously confused.
"I hate you with a passion," is all I said before unlocking my car.
"She argued with them because they were chatting a load of shit about you. She violated them badly! What is it you said?" She asked laughing, trying to remember.
I laughed awkwardly, "That one had a receding hairline and the other a saggy mouth?"
Leo burst out laughing fist bumping me and Neymar simply shook his head laughing, a little bit.
"We going?" I asked him and he nodded saying goodbye and jumping in the passengers seat.
"Well. It's cute to know you've got my back but don't be arguing with grown men, linda. That's dangerous, what if one of them hurt you?" he said seriously.
I laughed, "Well. It's cute to know you care but I can handle myself," I said copying him, making him roll his eyes.
I put the car in drive and pulled out the parking lot, heading to our usual hang out spot, Leo's place.