The Real Madrid forward was Brazil's leading offensive threat throughout the tournament, scoring four goals, but his World Cup will be remembered above all for the round of 16 defeat, a match in which he was not at his sharpest and in which he chose not to take a first-half penalty.
With the score still 0-0, the responsibility fell to Bruno Guimaraes, the taker designated in advance by Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff, who saw his effort saved by the Norwegian goalkeeper. Speaking in the mixed zone afterwards, Vinicius clarified that he had not avoided the responsibility, but had simply respected a decision the coaching staff had made before kick-off.
After several days of reflection, he addressed the Brazil supporters directly in a letter posted in full on his social media accounts:
"Almost four years on, I find myself thinking again about what to write after a World Cup disappointment.
"I've seen so many people of all ages supporting me and embracing our dream, and it would be unfair to stay silent. But I needed a few days to reflect.
"Wearing the national team shirt is the greatest pride of my life, and falling in the round of 16 of a World Cup is a feeling that's very hard to explain.
"I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, and how much I wanted this for you and for my family.
"The feeling of frustration is enormous. We had a group strong enough to go much further and we didn't manage it.
"I ask for forgiveness and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world."
Brazil's exit at the last-16 stage was their earliest World Cup departure since 1990, ending the Selecao's bid for a record-extending sixth world title and prompting Neymar, who came off the bench to score Brazil's only goal of the game from the penalty spot, to announce his own international retirement in the tournament's aftermath.
Vinicius's letter makes no direct reference to his individual role in the penalty controversy, focusing instead on a broader message of accountability and gratitude towards supporters who travelled to follow the team throughout the competition, many of whom had backed Brazil as one of the pre-tournament favourites to lift the trophy.