Neymar and Lionel Messi have forged a fantastic relationship from their first years as teammates at FC Barcelona, before reuniting at Paris Saint-Germain many years later. Even though they’re miles away from each other now, the Brazilian and the Argentine still keep in touch.
“My relationship with Messi? We’re far away but we talk,” Neymar recently told Band Sports. “We talk a lot. Even yesterday he sent me a message, but we’re happy. We’re happy for one another. He sent me a message when we won here too. I spoke to him, he’s a great guy, he’s a mirror for me. Besides being an idol, he’s a great friend.”
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Leo and Ney played 161 games together in Spain, before spending two more seasons next to each other in the French capital. While their first stint together resulted in a historic treble with the Blaugrana in 2015, the PSG chapter didn’t go exactly to plan as they couldn’t make it past the Champions League round of 16 in two opportunities.
Both decided to leave the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2023, with Messi joining MLS side Inter Miami while Neymar took his talents to Saudi giants Al Hilal.
Their friendship is still untouched though, and it’s safe to say nothing will ever change that. The great relationship between them was seen not only during their time as teammates but also as rivals, with Ney and Messi sharing a heartfealt moment when Argentina beat Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final at the Maracana, which saw Leo win a coveted first international title after years of wait.
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Binge the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
