Lionel Messi, the Argentine and Inter Miami superstar, has joined the chorus backing Neymar to represent Brazil at the upcoming World Cup. Messi, who shared the pitch with Neymar for four seasons at Barcelona and two more at Paris Saint-Germain before both moved on in 2023, acknowledged that his friendship makes it hard for him to be impartial about the 34-year-old.
“We want the best players to be at the World Cup, and no matter his form, Neymar will always be one of them,” Messi told Pollo Álvarez on his *Lo del Pollo* show. 
Although Argentina and Brazil are South American rivals, Messi set aside that rivalry. “It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football. I hope he can be there, but I can’t be objective—he always has to be there,” Messi said. “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. And I hope he can be there.” 
Neymar is currently under contract with his boyhood club Santos, where he serves as captain in Brazil’s Serie A. Due to a knee injury that required minor surgery in late December and another procedure in March, he has been limited to eight matches in 2026. He has scored three goals and provided two assists this season.
“He has a very special charisma,” Messi added. “He doesn’t put on an act; he lives his life as it is, according to what he feels without worrying about the repercussions. He lives his life, he’s happy, and he’s very natural.”
Neymar rejoined Santos, where he began his professional career from 2009 to 2013. An ankle injury slowed him before his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, and a torn anterior cruciate ligament ended his brief stint at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Although he has been a fixture on the Brazil national team since 2013, he hasn’t played for his country since 2023 due to injuries and form issues. He has appeared in three World Cups with Brazil.
