Argentina and Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi expressed his belief that Neymar ranks among the best players globally and deserves a spot at the World Cup with Brazil.
“We want the best players at the World Cup, and Neymar will always be one of them, regardless of his current form,” Messi shared during his appearance on Lo del Pollo show with Pollo Álvarez.
“Seeing him at the World Cup would be incredible because of his significance to Brazil and football in general. I hope he makes it, but I can’t be impartial on this. He always needs to be there.”
“I admit I can’t be objective. Neymar is a friend… Naturally, I want him to enjoy success and be part of the World Cup because he deserves it as a person.”
At 38, Messi and 34-year-old Neymar have maintained a close friendship since their time together at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, where they played for a total of six seasons.
Both players departed PSG in 2023, with Messi joining Inter Miami in MLS and Neymar signing with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar returned to Santos slightly over a year ago, hoping to regain peak form for his fourth World Cup appearance with Brazil.
However, injuries and form issues have sidelined him from the national squad since October 2023. The all-time leading scorer for Brazil with 79 goals has not been included in any of manager Carlo Ancelotti’s line-ups since Ancelotti’s appointment in June.
“I believe he can return to full fitness,” Ancelotti stated about Neymar in L’Equipe last month.
Neymar underwent minor knee surgery on December 22 and had another procedure in late March.
Messi noted that various national teams appear to be in significantly better form than the Albiceleste as they head into the World Cup, particularly highlighting France, Spain, and Brazil as strong contenders.
“The World Cup is always challenging given the quality of the participating teams. While we must remain hopeful, as every Argentine does during official tournaments like the Copa América or the World Cup, we must also recognize that other teams are currently in better form,” he explained.
When pressed on potential favorites, Messi identified France as “looking exceptionally strong with a talented roster.” He also mentioned Spain and Brazil as contenders, despite Brazil not performing at its peak recently. “Brazil is always a team to watch and has the necessary talent to compete for championships,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging Germany, England, and Portugal as secondary contenders, Messi praised Portugal for having a “highly competitive and excellent squad.”
He expressed the unpredictability of the World Cup, stating, “Many elite teams are in the mix, and surprises often emerge.”
On Argentina, Messi stated that the team is in good spirits despite some players facing injuries or lack of match fitness.
“The team has shown its competitive spirit, consistently striving for victory whenever assembled,” he said.
Messi also noted a turnover within the squad, indicating that numerous young players are preparing for their second World Cup. “They now have significant experience while still being youthful,” he said. “Additionally, it’s clear that new talent is surfacing, with plenty of young players full of ambition and energy.”
Addressing his future, Messi made no indications of retirement, stating simply, “I love playing, and I will continue until I can no longer do so.”