Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi joined the list of people backing Neymar to be part of the FIFA World Cup squad for Brazil.
Messi, who spent four seasons with Neymar at Barcelona and another two at Paris Saint-Germain before both made the move in 2023, admitted he does not consider himself objective about the 34-year-old player he calls a friend.
«We want the best players to be there (at the World Cup) and Neymar, whatever his form, will always be one of them,» Messi told Pollo Alvarez during his appearance in Lo del Pollo.
Argentina and Brazil may be South American rivals, but this goes beyond rivalry for Messi.
«It would be great to see him at the World Cup because of what he means for Brazil and for football. I hope he can be there, but I can’t be objective because he always has to be there,» Messi told Alvarez.
«Obviously I would like him to be at the World Cup, for good things to happen to him, because he deserves it because of the kind of person he is. And I hope he can be there.»
The Brazilian Serie A club captain, who is currently under contract with his boyhood club Santos, has been limited to eight games in 2026 due to a knee injury that warranted minor knee surgery in late December and another knee procedure in March. This season he scored three goals and two assists.
“He has a very special charisma,” Messi said. «He’s not putting on an act, he’s living his life as it is, according to what he feels, without worrying about the consequences. He’s living his life, he’s happy and he’s very natural.»
Neymar returns to Santos, where he started his professional career from 2009 to 2013.
An ankle injury delayed Neymar from leaving Paris Saint-Germain. At Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, a torn anterior cruciate ligament ended a short stay.
Neymar has been a regular in the Brazilian national team since 2013 and has not played for his country since 2023 due to injuries and form issues. He played three times at the World Cup with his national team.
(with input from Reuters)
Published on May 9, 2026
