Brazil superstar Neymar brushed off his critics after firing the five-time World Cup winners to victory over Mexico on Monday and into a quarter-final showdown with Belgium.
Neymar scored one goal and created another as his increasingly impressive Brazil side overpowered the Mexicans 2-0 in sweltering conditions.
But Neymar's sparkling performance was tarnished by yet another example of his tendency to overreact to seemingly innocuous challenges.
Neymar has charmed Brazil, but annoyed the whole world'
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 2, 2018
And that's just what the papers are saying in Brazil!
More on a sometimes sublime, sometimes ridiculous talent
? https://t.co/UJa3epffgC #BRA #BRAMEX #worldcup pic.twitter.com/ijPiEUpWye
The latest chapter in a bulging catalogue of histrionic behaviour came in the second half, when Mexico midfielder Miguel Layun appeared to step on his ankle as he lay prone.
Neymar writhed around and convulsed as if he had received an electric shock.
"I think it's a shame for football," Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio lamented afterwards, saying Neymar's antics had wasted precious time.
Mexico's manager wants Neymar to act like a man, not a clown. pic.twitter.com/n4lk1NVL8b
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 3, 2018
"We wasted a lot of time because of one single player ... we lost our style in the second half, because of the referee.
"This is a very bad example for the world and the world of football."
As social media platforms exploded with fans angrily accusing Neymar of cheating, former England striker Alan Shearer described the Paris Saint-Germain star as "absolutely pathetic."
"There is no doubting the ability of him. He is a magnificent player," said Shearer, who is working in Russia for Britain's BBC.
"Neymar gives #BRA a bad name"@Chris_Sutton73 on the Brazilian's 'theatrical' #WorldCup so far...
— BBC 5 live Sport (@5liveSport) July 3, 2018
*NEW* #WorldCup Daily podcast ? https://t.co/M1qNZYQ2zU pic.twitter.com/c6zwzkDj9v
"But it really is pathetic when he is rolling around as if he is in agony."
Yet Neymar shrugged off the criticism after his man-of-the-match performance, claiming it was motivated to "undermine me."
"I don't care much for criticism, or praise, because this can influence your attitude," he said.
“Look at how many times he’s rolling around. The diving and the antics. It’s embarrassing.”
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2018
Is it time for Neymar to grow up? pic.twitter.com/tcngj4RncM
"In the last two matches I didn't talk to the press because I don't want to. I just have to play, help my teammates, help my team."
Brazil defender Thiago Silva meanwhile heaped praise on Neymar, who only returned to playing shortly before the tournament following an injury layoff of more than three months.
"It's magnificent how he's playing, especially after three and a half months on the sidelines," PSG teammate Silva said. "It's very difficult to come back the way he's done."