Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 largely due to injuries
Lionel Messi says Neymar has to be part of Brazil’s squad for this summer’s World Cup because he remains one of the best players in the world.
“We want the best players to be there [at the World Cup] and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said.
“It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football. I hope he can be there, but I can’t be objective, because he always has to be there.
“I can’t be objective. Neymar is a friend. Obviously, I’d love for him to be at the World Cup, for good things to happen to him because he deserves it for the kind of person he is. And I hope he can be there.”
Messi and Neymar remain close friends after spending four seasons together at Barcelona and another two at Paris Saint-Germain.
The pair left PSG in 2023, with Messi joining Inter Miami and Neymar moving to Al-Hilal before later returning to boyhood club Santos.
Messi also praised Neymar’s personality, saying: “He has a very special charisma. He doesn’t put on an act, he lives his life as it is, according to what he feels without worrying about the repercussions. He lives his life, he’s happy, and he’s very natural.”
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 largely due to injuries, which have of course also affected his form. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals has also been left out of every squad selected by coach Carlo Ancelotti since the Italian took charge last year.
Ancelotti said recently that Neymar “is capable of getting back to 100%”, despite the forward undergoing knee procedures in December and again in March.
Messi also discussed the leading contenders for the World Cup and believes several nations are currently in stronger form than Argentina national football team.
“I believe that, right now, France is looking very strong once again; they possess a wealth of high-calibre players,” Messi said.
“I also think Spain is a contender, as is Brazil – even though they haven’t been at their absolute best lately. I still believe Brazil is always a contender and has the players necessary to compete for the title in any major tournament.”
Messi placed Germany, England and Portugal just behind that group, adding that Portugal “boasts a very competitive and excellent squad”.
The Argentina captain also backed Albiceleste to compete strongly despite concerns over injuries within the squad.
Messi said: “The truth is, whenever the group comes together, it has been proven that this is a squad that competes hard and always strives to win.”
