Distance does not seem to be a limit for the relationship they formed Lionel Messi and Neymar in their time in Barcelona and which they later revalidated in Paris Saint Germain. Despite the passage of time, the connection between the two seems intact, something that the Brazilian made evident during an interview with Bandsports within the framework of the 4th edition of the Neymar Jr Institute charity auction, which also took place this Monday in São Paulo. .
“We are far away, but we talk, we talk a lot. Even yesterday he sent me a message, but we are happy, we are happy for each other. Because of the title he sent me a message when we won here too. I spoke with him, he is a great guy, he is a great mirror for me, he is a great idol. In addition to being an idol, he is a friend I have, and we talk a lot”said the Al Hilal footballer from Saudi Arabia.
Both shared the playing field for four seasons in the Catalan team and two in the French team, where they won 13 titles: two Spanish Leagues, two Spanish Super Cups, three Copa del Rey, one Champions League, one European Super Cup, one World Cup of Clubs, two Ligue 1 and a French Super Cup. In addition, there were 208 games, with 150 wins, 28 draws and 30 losses.
Then, when asked about Vinicius Juniorbrand new winner of the Champions League (the striker was one of the figures of the White House by scoring a goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund in Wembley, England), the attacker did not hesitate to praise his great moment: “Evidently, the Ballon d’Or is his.”. I’m cheering. I sent a message before the game, after the game. He is a boy I love passionately. Great friend who gave me football. He will surely be crowned with the Ballon d’Or.” And then he added: “For me there is no one else who can win. He deserves it because he is a fighter, he suffered a lot and exceeded all expectations and criticism. Today he has become a great idol for us. “I am happy that he carries our flag around the world.”
The Merengue striker is one of the main contenders to win this award. His main competitors are his teammate Jude Bellingham and the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé (has just been announced as Real Madrid’s new reinforcement), among others.
On the other hand, Neymar took the opportunity to clarify the rumors about his future, after he was linked to Santos, a team that is currently in Brazil’s Serie B and where the native of Mogi das Cruzes began his professional career. “No, what they said is a total lie. There is nothing planned. I have one more year left on my contract with Al Hilal. I hope to have a great season. I missed this last one. Let’s live little by little. There is a lot of time ahead. Obviously, Santos is my favorite team. One day I want to return, but I don’t have anything planned in my head,” responded the 32-year-old footballer, who has a signed contract with the Arabs until June 30, 2025.
Regarding his recovery after suffering a torn cruciate ligament, he stated: “Recovery is underway. It has been painful, with a lot of suffering. “It’s been seven months, there are a few left, but let’s go.”
“It will be sad. It is very bad to be left out, but we support. I hope Brazil can win. There is a team for that, high quality players. We will be in the crowd. I hope Dorival does a great job,” said Neymar about his absence due to injury from the Copa América. La Verdeamarela, which has not won this trophy since the 2019 edition, will be the head of Group D, where it will share the area with Colombia, Paraguay and Costa Rica.
