Lionel Messi has finally broken his silence regarding Neymar's potential participation in the upcoming World Cup, delivering a heartfelt message about his longtime friend and rival. During an appearance on the Argentine program "Lo del Pollo," Messi addressed the swirling rumors that Neymar might miss the tournament due to injury or other factors. "I can't be very objective, he's a friend," Messi said. "Obviously, I'd love for him to go, for good things to happen to him because he deserves it."
The bond between Messi and Neymar dates back to their time together at Barcelona, where they formed a devastating attacking trio with Luis Suarez. From 2013 to 2017, the trio, often referred to as "MSN," dominated European football, winning the UEFA Champions League, multiple La Liga titles, and the FIFA Club World Cup. Their chemistry on the pitch was legendary, and off it, Messi and Neymar developed a deep friendship that transcended club allegiances. When Neymar left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for a world-record transfer fee, many believed the partnership was over. However, fate brought them back together when Messi joined PSG in 2021. At PSG, they played alongside Kylian Mbappe, forming another formidable attack, though not as consistently dominant as the MSN era. The reunion was short-lived, as Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023, but their friendship remained intact.
Messi's comments come at a time of intense speculation about Neymar's physical condition. The Brazilian star has suffered a series of significant injuries over the past few years, including a torn ACL that sidelined him for much of the 2023–24 season. While Neymar has made progress in his recovery, questions linger about his ability to return to peak form in time for the World Cup. Messi's remarks show support beyond competition or national allegiances. "At the World Cup, we always want the best players to be there, and Neymar, as long as he's there, will always be one of them," Messi added. This statement underscores the mutual respect between two of the greatest players of their generation.
Neymar's World Cup history is a mix of brilliance and heartbreak. In 2014, as host nation Brazil, he was the tournament's shining star until a vertebral fracture in the quarterfinals against Colombia ended his participation. Brazil went on to suffer a historic 7–1 semifinal loss to Germany. In 2018, Neymar led Brazil to the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Belgium. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar brought more disappointment, as Brazil fell to Croatia in the quarterfinals on penalties, with Neymar scoring a stunning extra-time goal but unable to prevent the shootout loss. Now, at 34, the 2026 World Cup could be Neymar's last realistic chance to lead Brazil to its sixth title. His fitness and form remain the biggest variables.
For Messi, the World Cup narrative is entirely different. Having won the trophy in 2022 by leading Argentina to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France, Messi cemented his legacy as the greatest of all time. Now 38, he is expected to play in the 2026 tournament, though his club career has shifted to a less demanding schedule in Major League Soccer. Argentina, as defending champions, will enter the tournament as one of the favorites, with a core of young talents like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández alongside veterans like Ángel Di María and Messi himself. Messi's comments about Neymar also reflect a broader sentiment within the football community: the World Cup is richer when its biggest stars are present. The tournament has historically been elevated by the presence of icons like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and now Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Neymar, despite his injury struggles, remains one of the most marketable and talented players in the world.
The interview on "Lo del Pollo" also delved into Messi's personal reflections on the upcoming tournament. He spoke about the pressure of defending the title and the joy of playing alongside his teammates. "We know it's going to be very difficult, but we are excited to try to repeat," Messi said. He also acknowledged the challenges of age and the physical demands of international football, but expressed confidence in the squad's depth. The World Cup draw has placed Argentina in a competitive group that includes European and African sides, but the team's experience and quality should see them through to the knockout stages.
Beyond the Messi-Neymar dynamic, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in history. For the first time, three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—will co-host the event, expanding the tournament to 48 teams. This expansion means more nations will get a chance to compete, but it also raises questions about the quality of the competition. The United States men's national team, under manager Mauricio Pochettino, is expected to field its strongest squad ever, with players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna. Messi, who now plays in the U.S., has firsthand experience with the growth of soccer in America. His presence at Inter Miami has already boosted the profile of MLS, and he will likely be the face of the tournament alongside other aging stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
However, the focus remains on Neymar's health. Brazilian media have reported that Neymar is working tirelessly to regain full fitness, training with a personal physiotherapist in Brazil and following a strict rehabilitation program. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has not ruled him out, and coach Fernando Diniz has stated that the door remains open for Neymar if he is fit. The Brazilian national team, despite its depth, relies heavily on Neymar's creativity and flair. Without him, the attacking responsibilities would fall to Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Richarlison, but none possess the same playmaking ability as the veteran. Messi's public endorsement could provide a psychological boost for Neymar, who often faces immense criticism in his home country.
Looking back at the history of the World Cup, there have been many instances where players overcame injuries to make a difference. In 1994, Roberto Baggio played through pain to lead Italy to the final. In 2006, Ronaldo returned from a knee injury to become the tournament's all-time leading scorer. More recently, in 2022, Argentina's Ángel Di María played sparingly due to muscle issues but scored in the final against France. Neymar will hope to follow a similar path. His determination is well known; he has often spoken about his dream of winning the World Cup for Brazil, a nation that has not won since 2002. Messi understands that dream intimately, having finally achieved it himself.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the football world will watch closely for updates on Neymar's condition. Messi's words, while supportive, also carry a reminder of the stakes involved. The tournament is not just about individual glory; it is about the collective spectacle of the world's best players competing on the grandest stage. Messi's hope for Neymar's participation reflects a desire to see a complete and memorable tournament. The two friends have shared many moments on the pitch, from Barcelona's treble-winning season to PSG's domestic titles. A World Cup appearance together in 2026 would be a fitting chapter in their enduring story.
In the end, whether Neymar makes it or not, the World Cup will go on. But as Messi noted, the best players should always be there. The sentiment is shared by fans worldwide who want to see Neymar's flair, Messi's genius, and the magic of football at its highest level. The next few months will determine if Neymar can overcome his physical challenges and write one more chapter in a career that has already given so much. Until then, Messi's words serve as a beacon of hope and friendship, transcending the fierce rivalry between Argentina and Brazil.
Source: Yahoo Sports News