Messi's father: My son & Neymar get on well

Posted Thursday, June 14, 2012 by Goal.com

Argentina star Lionel Messi has a good relationship with Brazil forward Neymar, the Barcelona attacker's father has claimed.

At the age of 20, Neymar has often earned comparisons with Messi, with Brazil legend Pele claiming earlier in the week that the Santos prodigy is a more complete player than the three-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Barcelona have been long been linked with a move for the Brazilian, and the Argentine's father has hinted that the attacking duo would not have a problem playing together.

"Leo [Messi] told me that Neymar is a good kid," Jorge Messi told RAC1. "They spoke with each other and they have a good rapport.

"In addition to being a good player, Neymar is also a good kid."

Messi has silenced critics of his form for the Argentina national team with four goals in the last two games, including a hat-trick in the 4-3 victory against Brazil on Saturday.

"He has looked like Barca's Messi in the last two or three matches for the national team," Messi senior continued.

"He exploded against Brazil. He was very happy with his performance and the result."

Jorge then admitted that it will be a two-horse race between his son and Cristiano Ronaldo for the Ballon d'Or award.

"The winner will be decided by his counterparts, the other professional players," he said. "They do not give out the award to someone for publicity. It will be Cristiano or Leo to win it."