Neymar out of World Cup 2014: LeBron James, Gisele Bundchen and Mario Balotelli react on Twitter

The Brazil talisman will play no further part in the tournament

Brazil's forward Neymar is carried on a stretcher after being injured during the quarter-final football match between Brazil and Colombia (Getty Images)

Brazil might be through to their first World Cup semi-final since 2002, but if they are to go all the way as they did 12 years ago they will have to do it without their talisman Neymar.

The Barcelona striker suffered a fractured vertebra during the hosts' win over Colombia last night.

The injury occurred after a challenge from Colombian defender Juan Camillo Zuniga whose knee made strong contact with Neymar's back.

The 22-year-old was stretched from the pitch in Fortaleza clearly in pain and apparently already aware that his World Cup was over.

Messages of support for Neymar from prominent users of Twitter quickly appeared. Here are a selection of the best...

"Sending a big hug to this phenomenon of current football, neymarjr" - former Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos.

"Hate to hear the news on Neymar! What a player. Have a speedy recovery/Get well asap man! #HesABeast #MyKidsFavPlayer" - basketball player LeBron James of the Miami Heat.

"All our support to neymarjr! #ForcaNeymar" - Brazil president Dilma Rousseff.

"Have strength brother. neymarjr we are together with you, we love you" - Brazil and Chelsea midfielder Willian.

"We had a great victory but also a great loss. Have strength neymarjr, we partner with you always!" - Brazil striker Jo, formerly of Manchester City and Everton.

"Dear Neymarjr, have strength, we are praying that your recovery is quick #forcaneymar" - Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen.

"Good recovery Neymar, God Bless you" - former Brazil international Gilberto Silva.

"Happy with our victory today, can't wait to face £Brasil, sad for NeymarJr hope you get better soon #ForcaNeymar #eTois #poldi #worldcup" - Arsenal attacker Lukas Podolski, whose Germany side take on Brazil in the semi-finals.

"neymarjr brother! I am with you! Force!" - Italy striker Mario Balotelli.

"My brother neymarjr - me, Luca, my family and a lot of people in this world are praying and hoping for your fast recovery!!" - former Brazil international Kaka.

"Strength, Brother! neymarjr" Brazil and Tottenham midfielder Paulinho posted, along with a picture collage.

"Neymar, i am unhappy. get well soon" - Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil.