Brazil forward Neymar has publicly expressed his deep affection for Argentina captain Lionel Messi, stating that he cares about him very much. The 34-year-old Santos star made the remarks during an interview with the DSPORTS channel following Brazil's World Cup match against Scotland on Wednesday night.
Birthday Wishes for Messi
Neymar took the opportunity to send birthday wishes to Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday at the national team's training camp on Wednesday. The two football legends, who were former teammates at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, have maintained a close friendship over the years.
Speaking to the media after the match, Neymar said, “He is excellent on the field, and even better off the field. He is a very good friend of mine, and he knows I care about him very much.”
Long-Standing Friendship
Neymar and Messi shared the pitch at Barcelona from 2013 to 2017, forming a formidable attacking trio with Luis Suárez. They later reunited at Paris Saint-Germain from 2017 to 2021, where their bond deepened. Despite now playing for rival nations in South America, their friendship remains strong.
The heartfelt comments come as both players prepare for the World Cup 2026, where Brazil and Argentina are expected to be strong contenders. Neymar's tribute highlights the mutual respect between two of football's greatest talents.
