While the damage had already been done by the new hopes of Selecao, the old timer showed flashes of what could still be to come in the canary yellow of his nation.
He spent 20 minutes on the park, enjoying 24 touches – the man he replaced on 76 minutes managed just 14 more. He also managed a shot on target.
Really, it did not matter. The big screens once again locked on to him post match as he went over to the fans before embracing his young daughter at the front of the stand.
A hero had returned for Brazil at a time where the want for greatness is craved ferociously.
The five-time world champions have been without the game’s biggest prize since 2002. You have to go back to 2019 for their last tournament win when their ninth Copa America was bagged.
Under Ancelotti, the Brazilians have been inconsistent. Wins have not been achieved against Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Japan, Tunisia, France and, most recently, Morocco.
Against a self-sabotaging Scotland, they had spells of swagger, with a ruthless streak cooked in for good measure.
Supporters drifted out of the Miami Stadium rejoicing, for the victory which has them topping Group C, and because their forgotten man played his part.
“Pele is the best player of all time. No comparison,” one supporter told BBC Sport as he headed out the ground. “He won three World Cups for Brazil.
“Neymar will be among the best ones. He could be in the same level as Ronaldo or Ronaldinho if he wins the World Cup.
“I was in 2016 at Maracana, when he was the guy who scored the decider at the Olympics, and that was a title that Brazil never had before, but the World Cup is the title that we need, and we’re going for the six stars.
“I think he’s able to open up the field and bring out jogo bonito [play beautifully], as they say.
“They have to respect who he is and who he once was, because if you don’t, he’ll make you pay, that’s for sure.”