Neymar has revealed he learned every day from his "football idol" Lionel Messi while at Barcelona and described Cristiano Ronaldo as a "monster".
The Brazilian was speaking to The Players' Tribune alongside NBA star Steph Curry.
The world's most expensive footballer spent four seasons playing at the Nou Camp alongside the Argentinian, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League in that time.
While at Barcelona he also came up against five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who he has described as a "monster".
"Facing Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – and I played with Messi, who is, for me, one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he is my idol in football," said Neymar.
"With Messi, I learned every day, whether during our practice, or playing with him, or just watching him play. And that made me stronger and it increased my capacity on the field because I kept learning a lot from him.
"As for Cristiano Ronaldo, he is a monster. Facing him is a pleasure and an honor, but we have to be more prepared. He is one of the greatest in football so you get smarter, you get alert, but at the same time you learn a lot, too.
"So, they are two of the big guys that I can relate to, because I want to learn, I want more, I want to win, I want more trophies, score more goals … so I keep learning from them every day."
Mosanya
494
He said it all, messi is a hero, a football idol and the goat. While ronaldo is a beast, the best, hardworking young incredible man. Neymar knows the two players very well because he has played with messi and played against ronaldo. Both are from another planet, they are irreplaceable, we hear great players say good things about them, i dont know if we can see both again for a long time, they have had a spectacular career. Neymar came to Barcelona to play with his football idol leo, now that he has learned a lot it is time for him to play a lot harder to win many trophies like both. Messi ×5 [cup][cup][cup][cup][cup] Ronaldo ×5 [cup][cup][cup][cup][cup]
JamesGunz
384
Neymar has given the best comments so far between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He was so intelligent and to be honest, I don't see why he won't be up there with the pros one day
Henryrukis
324
very good. but he made the wrong move. you should have remained to keep learning because some day it will be you and you alone on your own. but you left because of money.
Lamasia0912
258
Surely Messi is the GOAT. No doubt about it..🐐
tommybayo
221
This is the best comment I have heard involving CR7 and Lionel Messi and it's coming from one of their own.
apkwill
201
Well said Neymar u gotta learn crom the best to bcome the best. But ny advice for u is to in-field display and attitudes, u like to dive too much I think it is time u bcome very serious and reduce ur diving skills
Nesaiknruy_Legend
171
Maybe Griezmann should take a page put of Neymars book and praise the 2 greatest instead of make stupid claims that he's on their level.... Its no surprise Neymar looks up to Messi, anyone who knows football would acknowledge Messi is the greatest footballer to have played by now. Messi is the complete player. Could be effective from near enough every position and brings more to a team than any other player in the world and that includes Ronaldo. If his mentality matched Ronaldos then he would be a demon on the pitch....
Jcekid16
157
Well spoken Neymar, I know some people will still try to make a sane out from this but only the wise can understand what you meant by "monster" referring to CR7. None is above learning thanks for accepting that. You are a great player yourself and many look up to you. Keep your dream going Neymar Jnr 10. #Ronaldo #Messi #Neymar
Don_Zayo
12
dude just Google who is God of football you will come to know[Spittongue]
Who is the God of football,eh? By nature, this question is similar to “Who is the God of the world?”. Everyone will vouch for his god. Similarly in football, different fanbases, nationalities and people will vouch for theirs. The Argentinians will be split between Maradona and Messi, the Portuguese will say Ronaldo, the Brazilians will cry Pele. The Dutch will claim it's Cruyff, and the Spanish will proclaim Di Stefano. The French will shout Zidane and the Swedes will dare to Zlatan. As with the real world, there won't be an agreement and neither does there have to be one. Football is not a religion, it's a way of life. And here, there are no gods. There are only legends. In this our era, there are a lot of talented players out there, but Messi and Ronaldo are said to be the best now... their time will pass and other great ones who may even better than them will come