Lionel Messi has expressed hope that longtime friend and former teammate Neymar will recover in time for next month’s FIFA World Cup, insisting the Brazil forward still belongs among football’s elite players.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has not represented his country since October 2023 after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay national football team.
The Brazilian star has continued to struggle with injuries since returning to boyhood club Santos FC, limiting his appearances significantly over the past two seasons.
Messi praises Neymar’s importance to football
Speaking to the Lo Del Pollo show, Messi said Neymar’s presence would be valuable not only for Brazil but also for the global game.
“We want the best players to be there at the World Cup and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said.
“It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football.”
The Argentine captain admitted his close friendship with Neymar made it difficult to remain impartial when discussing the forward.
“I can’t be objective. Neymar is a friend,” Messi added.
“Obviously, I’d love for him to be at the World Cup, for good things to happen to him because he deserves it for the kind of person he is.”
Friendship forged at Barcelona and PSG
Messi and Neymar enjoyed a successful partnership at FC Barcelona between 2013 and 2017 before reuniting years later at Paris Saint-Germain F.C. from 2021 to 2023.
The pair formed part of one of football’s most celebrated attacking trios during their time in Spain alongside Luis Suarez.
Messi also praised Neymar’s personality and authenticity off the field.
“He has a very special charisma. He doesn’t put on an act; he lives his life as it is, according to what he feels, without worrying about the repercussions,” Messi said.
“He’s happy, and he’s very natural.”
Messi names World Cup favorites
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner acknowledged that defending champions Argentina national football team face a difficult challenge in retaining their World Cup title.
Messi identified Spain national football team, France national football team and Brazil national football team as major contenders for the tournament.
“We know that the World Cup is always a complicated affair due to the caliber of the teams involved,” Messi said.
“We have to be hopeful, just as every Argentine always is whenever there is an official competition, whether it’s the Copa America or the World Cup, but we must also acknowledge that there are other favorites ahead of us who are in better shape.”