Portuguese forward Rafael Leao has extended a heartfelt message of comfort and support to his teammate Joao Felix, following Felix's penalty miss that eliminated Portugal from Euro 2024. Felix's miss in the quarter-final shootout against France marked a disappointing end to Portugal's campaign, but Leao's words aim to uplift his teammate's spirits.
Leao, who was substituted in for Felix in the 105th minute, acknowledged Felix's unique contributions to the team and expressed his belief in Felix's resilience.
"I want to say a few words to Joao Felix, who brings different things that football doesn't have. Despite having a bad episode, he's an incredible talent and will bounce back," Leao said. Leao's message emphasizes the importance of teamwork and solidarity, even in the face of disappointment.
The quarter-final match between Portugal and France ended 0-0 after extra time, with France ultimately winning 5-3 in the penalty shootout. The match was played on July 5, 2024, at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, Germany. Despite the disappointing outcome, Leao's gesture of support highlights the strength of the Portuguese team's bond and their commitment to encouraging each other through challenging times.