Lionel Messi Backs Neymar For FIFA World Cup Return: 'He Always Has To Be There'

Last Updated:May 09, 2026, 10:41 IST

Lionel Messi says Neymar “always has to be” at the World Cup, backing his close friend to return for Brazil despite injuries and recent struggles.

Lionel Messi has made one thing crystal clear: football’s biggest stage simply feels incomplete without Neymar.

The Argentina captain and Inter Miami superstar threw his support behind his longtime friend this week, insisting Neymar still deserves a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Brazil regardless of form, fitness concerns or recent setbacks.

“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 during an appearance on Lo del Pollo.

“It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football."

And Messi did not pretend to be neutral about it either.

“I can’t be objective. Neymar is a friend," he admitted. “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."

The two South American icons have shared a close bond ever since their legendary years together at Barcelona, where they formed one-third of the iconic MSN trio alongside Luis Suarez. They later reunited at Paris Saint-Germain before eventually going separate ways in 2023.

Messi headed to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, while Neymar joined Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal before eventually returning to Santos in Brazil.

Despite his struggles with injuries over the last two years, Messi still believes Neymar remains one of football’s most unique talents.

“He has a very special charisma," Messi said. “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, now 34, has not played for Brazil since October 2023 due to recurring injury issues and inconsistent form. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals has also been absent from Carlo Ancelotti’s squads since the Italian took charge earlier this year.

Still, belief in Neymar’s comeback remains strong inside Brazilian football circles.

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