Lionel Messi expressed his belief that Neymar remains a top player in football and expressed his desire for the Brazilian forward to make a comeback in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Neymar, Brazil’s highest goal scorer, has been sidelined since October 2023 due to a serious knee injury sustained during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Despite ongoing injury setbacks at Santos, where he has played only 12 matches this year compared to 28 in 2025, Messi emphasized Neymar’s significance in the sport.
Messi, who shared the field with Neymar at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, admitted his bias towards the talented forward due to their close friendship. He highlighted Neymar’s unique personality and genuine nature, expressing his wish for Neymar’s success and presence at the World Cup. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also acknowledged the tough challenge Argentina faces in defending its World Cup title, identifying Spain, France, and Brazil as strong contenders in the upcoming tournament.
