WATCH: Neymar Opens Up About His Special Bond With Lionel Messi

Neymar made an emotional return for Brazil after nearly three years and later praised Lionel Messi, calling him a great friend and an even better person off the field.

Messi and Neymar played together for six seasons across Barcelona and PSG.

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• Neymar and Messi shared iconic football partnerships at two clubs.

Neymar returned to the FIFA World Cup stage after a long gap of nearly three years. The Brazilian star had been out of action for the national team since suffering an ACL injury in 2023, but finally made his comeback as Brazil faced Scotland in their group-stage clash.

Brazil went on to win the match 3-0, while Neymar came on as a substitute in the second half. The return was an emotional moment for both Neymar and the fans, who welcomed him with loud cheers throughout the game.

Neymar Praises Messi

Neymar was speaking to the media after Brazil's victory over Scotland when he was asked about Lionel Messi, who was celebrating his birthday.

The reporter asked: “It's Messi's birthday. What words do you have for your friend Leo Messi?”

Neymar laughed and said: "Messi is an even better person off the field."

The reporter then added: "He's also a great person on the field, so imagine what he's like off it!"

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: 

🚨🎙️ It's Messi's birthday. What words do you have for your friend Leo Messi?

🗣️ Neymar: "Messi is an even better person off the field." (laughs)

🎙️ Host: "He's also a great person on the field, so imagine what he's like off it!"

🗣️ Neymar: "That's why I'm so happy to know him…

— MessiXtra (@MessiXtraHQ) June 25, 2026

Neymar replied: "That's why I'm so happy to know him and have played with him. He's a great friend. We've talked a lot, including over the last few days, and he knows how much I love him."

Neymar And Messi Played Together

Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi have shared one of football's most iconic partnerships over the years.

The two first played together at Barcelona, where they formed a deadly attacking combination and won several major trophies together.

After Messi left Barcelona in 2021, the duo reunited at Paris Saint-Germain. During their time together in France, they helped PSG win Ligue 1 titles and the French Super Cup.

Over the years, Neymar and Messi have played more than 200 matches together across Barcelona and PSG. Their partnership remains one of the most successful and admired combinations in modern football.

With Neymar now back in Brazil colours and Messi continuing to shine for Argentina, fans are once again enjoying watching two of football's biggest stars making headlines at the FIFA World Cup.