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Messi Backs Neymar's Inclusion in Brazil's World Cup Squad

Messi said Neymar should be in Brazil’s World Cup squad and called him one of football’s best despite injuries and limited recent appearances.

  • On Saturday, Lionel Messi publicly backed Neymar to join Brazil's FIFA World Cup squad next month, stating "Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them" among football's elite.
  • Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and the 34-year-old has made only 12 appearances this year while recovering from knee injuries at Santos.
  • Messi, who played alongside Neymar at Barcelona for four seasons and Paris Saint-Germain for two before both departed in 2023, acknowledged bias due to their friendship. "He has a very special charisma," Messi said.
  • The 38-year-old acknowledged Argentina faces a difficult task defending its 2022 World Cup title, rating Spain, France, and Brazil as favorites currently in better shape than his team.
  • With the FIFA World Cup approaching next month, Messi expressed hope for Argentina despite the tournament's complexity. He has played in the World Cup three times with his national team.
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22 Articles

LatestlyLatestly
Right

Lionel Messi Backs Neymar Jr to Feature in FIFA 2026 World Cup Campaign For Brazil | ⚽ LatestLY

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has not played for his country since October 2023, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup 2026 qualifier against Uruguay ⚽ Lionel Messi Backs Neymar Jr to Feature in FIFA 2026 World Cup Campaign For Brazil.

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ReutersReuters
+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Center

Messi backs Neymar's inclusion in Brazil's World Cup squad

·United Kingdom
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De TelegraafDe Telegraaf
Right

Lionel Messi Gets Involved in Brazil's World Cup Squad: 'We Want to Have the Best Players, and Neymar Is Part of that.'

Argentine football star Lionel Messi believes Neymar should go to the World Cup with Brazil.

·Amsterdam, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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ABP NewsABP News
Lean Right

Messi Praises Neymar’s ‘Special Charisma’, Backs Brazil Star For FIFA World Cup Return

Lionel Messi believes Neymar belongs among football's elite and that he hopes the Brazil forward returns in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in June.

·India
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SportskeedaSportskeeda
Center

“I can’t be very objective” - Lionel Messi delivers verdict when asked if Neymar deserves 2026 World Cup call-up with Brazil

Lionel Messi has backed his close friend Neymar to be called up by Brazil for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The HinduThe Hindu
Lean Left

Neymar ‘deserves’ another FIFA World Cup run for Brazil, says Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi and Neymar have spent six seasons across Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and beyond their national team rivalries, the two have been good friends.

·India
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  • 56% of the sources lean Right
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beIN SPORTS USA broke the news on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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