Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar has revealed in an interview with Brazilian TV show Altas Horas how his relationship with Lionel Messi really took off.
Neymar explained that he had some tough moments during his early days as a Barça player but that a pep talk from Messi helped him kick on.
“I remember a game with Barcelona when I was side, I was nearly crying because things weren’t coming off for me,” Neymar said.
“It was halftime and Messi came up to me and told me that I only had to be the same player I had always been, to be myself.
“‘You have yo be yourself,’ he told me. ‘You can’t be intimidated to be playing alongside me or [Andres] Iniesta,’ he insisted.’
“To see the humility of a guy that has won it all, that is the best in the world, asking you to be yourself and show your best, without any kind of vanity, was something I loved.
“I tell that story all the time to my family, to my friends. He helped me a lot professionally, of course, but also personally.
“To play with stars like Messi, Iniesta and Xavi makes you a little shy. But after speaking with Messi I came out of myself, showed what I had, relaxed and played with confidence.
“Since that day, I have had a huge friendship with Messi.”
Albania1912
147
I miss those two playing along each-other
fomklm
90
when I read any article on all football about messi and neymar I cry because I miss them way too much, when I watch barca games I try to control myself to not cry because no more MSN. [Cry]
shray_srivastava
76
Bro, you shouldnt have left man, you had everything here that a footballer dreams for in life, you just needed to have trust in yourself & your ability, MSN was the most feared trio in the world, I understand, you wanted to be recognized, but you could have achieved it here if you had patience, last year you had almost overshadowed Messi in the match against PSG, the fans loved you more than ever, but probably you were still amateur to understand everything and got blown away by the marketing strategies of PSG, they told you they would make you the best in the world, but you didn't realise you're walking away from a club with a huge legacy & from friends who considered you as a family. I'm sure, you realise what you've done, & you've mentioned it on more than one occasion that you miss your friends in Barca, you got so well with everyone, from Messi, Suarez to Rakitic, Umtiti, Pique. Well life has to move on, I would loved to see you play alongside your country mates in the form of Paulinho & Coutinho, neverthless, thanks for acknowledging that Messi is the best in the world, when it comes from you, it certainly means more.
Mosanya
63
Best Friends, Best footballers, Have the best teams, Have a strong bond I'd though Neymar is not more in Barcelona, Messi and Neymar are still pals, they stick together, they score goals, they play together. I miss [Cry][Cry] you guys playing a long, your style of play is incredible, no more MSN, but are still friends. But you can be great and achieve what you want to become if you have perseverance and patience. Neymar's departure from the club really hurt 😭 us all but we had to endured the pain because we know that he is still one of us... When you miss your friends you say good things how you spent good times together, how both of you achieve your success and fame. But acknowledging that Neymar life in PSG is starting to be going unexpectedly well and he miss his friends at Barca. But sometimes in life, you have to make a tough and hard choice.
Siodkuz
25
Barca need Neymar character, he would not leave if we had sucked bartemou. Neymar is amazing without a doubt the second best after Messi. He is a pure talent I love football and I always respect Neymar Your name should be above this 11.