I hope he can be there: Lionel Messi expects Neymar at FIFA World Cup 2026
Neymar’s chances of making Brazil’s World Cup final squad are very slim.
Lionel Messi has put his support behind former teammate Neymar, saying the Santos superstar “deserves” to be included in Brazil‘s World Cup squad despite his recent physical troubles. The captain of Inter Miami called his close friend a “very special” talent who is still among the world’s best players.
Regardless of the 34-year-old Neymar’s recent performance or physical struggles, Messi has demanded that he be included in Brazil’s 2026 World Cup roster.
Also read: Brazil name preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Neymar
Lionel Messi hopes to see his ex-teammate at the FIFA World Cup
The icon of La Albiceleste, who played alongside Neymar at both FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, feels that the competition requires its biggest stars on the biggest stage.
Speaking on the Lo del Pollo show, Lionel Messi said: “We want the best players to be there [at the World Cup] and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them. 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. 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. And I hope he can be there.”
Lionel Messi emphasised his former teammate’s charisma in addition to his skill on the field. The 38-year-old Argentine continues to be an ardent supporter of Neymar’s outlook on life and professional football, pointing out that the Brazilian’s genuineness is a unique quality in the contemporary game.
Neymar, who hasn’t played for the national team since late 2023 due to a series of knee surgeries, is currently battling to prove his fitness to Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.
When will the Brazil World Cup squad be announced?
The final squad will be announced this month on 18 May.
Will Neymar be in the squad?
His prospects of making the Brazil squad remain uncertain.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.