Lionel Messi has shared his thoughts on Neymar’s potential inclusion in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting that he struggles to remain impartial when evaluating his former teammate. The Argentine superstar cited their deep personal bond as the primary reason for his inability to offer a purely rational assessment.
Neymar’s career has been plagued by recurring injuries and inconsistent form, casting doubt on his return to the national team. However, Messi stressed that, based on raw talent and ability, the Brazilian forward is more than capable of contributing to the Seleção. He emphasized that the final decision rests on multiple factors beyond just individual skill.
The two players shared a highly successful spell together at Barcelona, forging a close friendship that persists to this day. According to Messi, this relationship inevitably introduces subjectivity into his analysis, making it difficult to evaluate Neymar with the same detachment he would apply to other players.
