7M - Messi Backs Neymar For World Cup

Lionel Messi has expressed strong support for Neymar's potential inclusion in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, acknowledging that personal friendship influences his perspective. In an interview with Lo del Pollo, the Inter Miami forward stated he cannot remain impartial when evaluating his longtime teammate. I cannot be objective, Neymar is a friend, Messi said, emphasizing his desire to see the Santos star compete on football's grandest stage.

Messi highlighted that Neymar's talent transcends current fitness discussions. At World Cups, we want the best players there, and Ney, regardless of his condition, will always be one of them, he noted. The Argentine champion added that Neymar's participation would carry significance beyond sport, representing both Brazilian football and the global game.

Carlo Ancelotti, who manages the Brazilian national team, has not recently called up Neymar. The forward's last appearance for Brazil occurred in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, where he featured for forty-five minutes. Despite this absence, Messi believes players of Neymar's caliber deserve consideration for major tournaments.

Messi also voiced hopes for positive outcomes should Neymar return to international duty. I would love for him to be at the World Cup and for beautiful things to happen to him because he deserves it, he stated. The remarks underscore the enduring bond between the two stars, who previously shared success at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.