Brazil vs. Argentina: Neymar Should Sit Out 2 Friendlies vs. La Albiceleste

Brazil star Neymar has been one of the busiest men in soccer the past 18 months or so. He could use a bit of a break, and the upcoming Superclassico das Americas with Brazil taking on Argentina for two friendlies would be a good start. 

Those two matches are only for players who participate in local leagues, and while Neymar qualifies under those guidelines, it certainly doesn't mean he needs to play. 

Neymar has nothing to prove on this stage, and the match does not carry enough importance to make it a necessary start. 

However, this decision is likely going to have to be made by the Selecao brass. Neymar's Santos coach Muricy Ramalho knows this much.

Sambafoot's Christopher Atkins passed along this quote from Ramalho: 

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"For those games against Argentina, in which only those playing in Brazil will appear, there is no need for him to go. If you ask Neymar's opinion, he will play. He doesn't miss training, yet alone a match!"

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Ramalho has seen his star struggle lately, and it is certainly easy to point to fatigue as a cause.

This is not a new concern. As ESPN points out, Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro expressed his frustration with the Brazilian soccer federation as they sent Neymar off for four international matches in a two week span. 

It wasn't just the matches either, there was a boatload of travel as the matches spanned two continents. And all of this was while Santos had Copa Libertadores matches upcoming. 

Neymar needs a break. Santos needs some time with their star. Frankly, these friendlies are below him. He should not be asked to participate in them.