Lionel Messi said Neymar remains one of the game’s top players and should be at the World Cup with Brazil, the Argentina captain told Pollo Álvarez on his Lo del Pollo show. Messi said the tournament should feature the best players and that Neymar, regardless of recent form, belongs on that stage.
Messi acknowledged a lack of objectivity due to their friendship, saying he wants good outcomes for Neymar and expects the forward to be included because of what he means to Brazil and to football. Messi described Neymar as someone who lives life naturally and does not put on an act.
Messi and Neymar have stayed close since their time as teammates, per the report, having shared four seasons at Barcelona and two at Paris Saint-Germain. Both players left PSG in 2023; Messi joined Inter Miami and Neymar moved to Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal.
The report says Neymar returned to Santos a little more than a year ago and is aiming to regain his best form with the goal of featuring at what would be his fourth World Cup. Injuries and a dip in form have kept him out of Brazil duty since October 2023, and the report says he has been left out of all of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian became manager in June.
Carlo Ancelotti told L’Equipe that Neymar is capable of returning to full fitness, the report adds. Neymar underwent minor surgery on his left knee on Dec. 22 and had another knee procedure in late March as part of his recovery process.
Messi concluded that he would love to see Neymar at the World Cup and reiterated his hope that the forward can recover and be selected, emphasizing their friendship and his belief in Neymar’s qualities both on and off the pitch.
