Lionel Messi Receives Tribute from Neymar Ahead of Final Argentina Match
Lionel Messi is the greatest player in the history of football, according to his former teammate Neymar. The Brazilian star praised the 39-year-old Argentine forward in a social media tribute ahead of Messi’s final international appearance for Argentina, thanking him on behalf of football fans worldwide for an extraordinary career, according to reports.
The heartfelt message highlighted how Messi's career affected the sport globally. Neymar highlighted the profound influence the forward had on players and supporters alike during his decades-long career at the highest level of professional football.
“Everyone who loves football has enjoyed you all these years. It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the whole world thanks you for everything you did for football,” Neymar wrote in his social media post.
Shared History at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain
The relationship between the two forwards extends far beyond mutual admiration from afar. They forged a close bond both on and off the pitch during their respective stints at elite European clubs, sharing a dressing room at FC Barcelona and later with Paris Saint-Germain.
Between 2013 and 2017 at Barcelona, and during their later reunion in France, Neymar and Messi played 206 competitive matches together.
“That you made me love football even more. It was an honor to have played against you, and even more to have made history together,” Neymar stated in his tribute, reflecting on their years as club colleagues.
International Rivalry on the Global Stage
While they shared immense success as club teammates, Neymar and Messi also stood on opposite sides of South America’s fiercest international rivalry. The two stars faced each other in six international matches representing Brazil and Argentina respectively.
Messi holds the upper hand in their head-to-head international encounters, claiming four victories against his Brazilian counterpart. Most notably, Messi and Argentina defeated Neymar’s Brazil 1-0 in the final of the 2021 Copa América, held at the historic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Neymar and Messi play together at Barcelona?
The two forwards played together at FC Barcelona from 2013 until Neymar transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
How many times did Neymar and Messi face each other internationally?
The pair faced each other in six international matches between Brazil and Argentina. Lionel Messi won four of those encounters, including the 2021 Copa América final at the Maracanã Stadium.
Which club did Neymar and Messi join forces at after Barcelona?
After their years at Camp Nou, Neymar and Messi reunited at Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1, where they played additional matches together before moving on to different phases of their careers.
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