Messi backs Neymar for World Cup return despite injury struggles
Synopsis
Messi's public backing of Neymar for the World Cup underscores the stakes around Brazil's injury-plagued star. With Neymar limited to 12 appearances this year and sidelined from international duty for 18 months, the window for his return is narrowing — and Messi's endorsement signals that elite-level talent alone won't guarantee selection if fitness remains compromised.
Key Takeaways
Lionel Messi backed Neymar for the upcoming FIFA World Cup , calling him among football's elite.
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 , when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Since returning to Santos , Neymar has managed just 12 appearances across all competitions in 2026, compared to 28 in 2025.
Messi and Neymar were teammates at Barcelona (2013–2017) and PSG (2021–2023).
Messi rates Spain , France , and Brazil as leading contenders, with Argentina facing a difficult defence of its 2022 title.
Lionel Messi has backed Neymar to return for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, saying the Brazil forward remains among football's elite despite extended injury absence. Speaking on the Lo Del Pollo show in Buenos Aires on 9 May, the Argentina legend expressed hope that his former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate would feature in next month's tournament.
Neymar's injury timeline
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has not played for his country since October 2023, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. Since returning to boyhood club Santos, his comeback has been hampered by recurring fitness issues, limiting him to just 12 appearances across all competitions this year, down sharply from 28 matches in 2025.
Messi's assessment
"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. "It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football. I hope he can be there, but I can't be objective, because he always has to be there."
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner acknowledged that their shared history made impartiality impossible. "I can't be objective. Neymar is a friend ... 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."
Shared history at club level
Messi and Neymar were teammates at Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and reunited at Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023. Messi praised Neymar's personality and playing style, saying: "He has a very special charisma. 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's happy, and he's very natural."
Argentina's World Cup outlook
Messi, now 38, cautioned that Argentina faces a difficult task defending its 2022 World Cup title. He rated Spain, France, and Brazil as leading contenders, saying: "We know that the World Cup is always a complicated affair due to the caliber of the teams involved. We have to be hopeful — just as every Argentine always is whenever there is an official competition — but we must also acknowledge that there are other favourites ahead of us who are in better shape."
Point of View
But it masks a harder truth: elite status alone doesn't guarantee World Cup selection when injury has cost you 18 months of international football. Neymar's fitness window is closing. With only 12 appearances at club level this year and no competitive Brazil minutes since 2023, Brazil's medical team faces a delicate calculus — nostalgia and pedigree versus match-readiness. Messi's friendship may be genuine, but it doesn't solve the fitness puzzle.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Neymar last play for Brazil?
Neymar last played for Brazil in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. He has not featured for the national team since.
How many matches has Neymar played in 2026?
Neymar has made just 12 appearances across all competitions for Santos in 2026, a significant drop from 28 matches in 2025, due to recurring injury issues.
What did Messi say about Neymar at the World Cup?
Messi said Neymar belongs among football's elite and expressed hope he would return in time for the World Cup. However, Messi acknowledged his friendship made it difficult to be objective about the decision.
When were Messi and Neymar teammates?
Messi and Neymar were teammates at Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 and again at Paris Saint-Germain from 2021 to 2023.
Which teams does Messi rate as World Cup favourites?
Messi rated Spain, France, and Brazil as leading contenders, while acknowledging that Argentina faces a difficult task defending its 2022 World Cup title.
