In a turn of events that left fans disappointed, Vinícius Júnior expressed his remorse for missing Brazil's Copa América quarterfinal match against Uruguay. The Real Madrid star was suspended after receiving yellow cards in previous group stage games against Paraguay and Colombia.

Without Vinícius on the field, Brazil struggled to create opportunities and ultimately lost on penalties, 4-2, following a goalless draw against a 10-man Uruguay. The defeat marked a disappointing end to Brazil's campaign in the tournament.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Vinícius shared his thoughts in Portuguese. He acknowledged the need for reflection following the Copa América's conclusion and admitted feeling frustrated by the outcome. "On penalties once again. I screwed up by receiving two avoidable yellow cards. Once again I watched the elimination from the sidelines. But this time, it was my fault. I apologize for that," he wrote.

This was not the first time Brazil faced disappointment in a major tournament. In the 2022 World Cup, they were also eliminated at the quarterfinal stage on penalties, with Vinícius being substituted during the game against Croatia.

Adding to the team's challenges, Brazil was without their all-time top scorer, Neymar, who was recovering from a knee injury. Much was expected from Vinícius, who had enjoyed a successful season with Real Madrid. His impressive form in LaLiga, where he scored 13 goals, helped Madrid win the title. Additionally, he was named the 2023-24 Champions League Player of the Season, contributing six goals to secure a victory against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley.

Vinícius had a promising start in the Copa América, scoring two goals in Brazil's first three matches. However, criticism arose back home, questioning why he was not exhibiting the same exceptional performances seen in Spain. Addressing the critiques, Vinícius acknowledged his ability to listen to criticism, particularly from his homeland.

Despite the disappointment, Vinícius remains determined to use this tournament exit as a learning experience to help Brazil reclaim their position at the top of international football. "Fortunately, my career with the national team has only just begun. Together with my teammates, I'll have the chance to put our national team back where it belongs. WE'LL GET BACK TO THE TOP! I LOVE YOU AND WE'RE IN IT TOGETHER!" he wrote.

Looking ahead, Brazil is scheduled to resume their World Cup qualifying campaign on September 4th, hosting Ecuador. Currently, Dorival Júnior's side sits in sixth place in the standings, with only two wins from their opening six qualifiers.

Vinícius Júnior's heartfelt apology and determination to bounce back will surely resonate with Brazilian football fans, who eagerly await the team's successful return to the top of the international stage.