Lionel Messi has opened up on Neymar Jr.'s chances of making Brazil's 2026 World Cup squad, but his response came with a clear admission that emotions are involved.
The Argentina captain was asked about one of the biggest talking points heading into the tournament, whether Neymar still deserves a place in Brazil's plans.
Given their history and friendship, it was never going to be a purely analytical answer, and Messi made that clear right away.
Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images
According to Albiceleste Talk on X , Messi addressed the situation directly.
"If Neymar has to go to the World Cup? I can't be very objective, he's a friend. Obviously, I would love for him to go and for good things to happen to him because he deserves it," Messi said.
The comment reflects the long-standing bond between the two players, which dates back to their time together at Barcelona and continued through their spell at PSG .
Despite representing rival nations, their relationship has consistently stood above the traditional Argentina-Brazil divide, with both players publicly supporting each other over the years.
That personal connection is what makes Messi's stance understandable, even as the debate around Neymar's selection continues to intensify.
Messi also made it clear that, from a football perspective, Neymar still belongs among the elite.
"At World Cups, we always want the best players to be there and Ney, as long as he's around, will always be one of them," Messi added.
That support comes at a time when Neymar's place in Brazil's squad is far from guaranteed. After dealing with injuries and limited involvement with the national team in recent months, his selection now depends heavily on his fitness and form heading into the tournament.
Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has already indicated that players will only be selected if they are fully fit, and with a younger core emerging in attack, competition for places has become stronger than in previous cycles.
Even so, Neymar remains part of the preliminary squad and continues to push for what could be his final World Cup appearance, with reports suggesting he is determined to prove his readiness before the final roster is confirmed.
That is what makes Messi's comments stand out. Because while the decision may come down to form and fitness, his message is rooted in something simpler. He wants to see his friend there.
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