Brazilian football star Neymar has paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi, thanking his former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate for his contribution to football as the Argentine superstar prepares to bid farewell to the national team.
Neymar shared the heartfelt message on Instagram ahead of Messi’s final appearance for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, bringing an emotional close to the 39-year-old’s international career.
Key Highlights
- Neymar pays emotional tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of his Argentina farewell.
- Neymar said “the entire world” thanks Messi for what he has given to football.
- Messi played his final Argentina match against Benin in Buenos Aires.
- Neymar and Messi were teammates at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer.
- Messi won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina.
- He also won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles.
- Neymar described playing alongside Messi and making history with him as an honour.
- Messi’s farewell marks the end of a 21-year international career.
Neymar Pays Emotional Tribute to Lionel Messi
Neymar used his social media account to celebrate Messi’s extraordinary contribution to football as the Argentine prepared for his final appearance in the national-team shirt.
The Brazilian star acknowledged the enjoyment Messi has brought to football fans around the world and expressed his hope that the Argentine would fully appreciate the tributes surrounding his farewell.
Neymar’s message was particularly significant because of the close relationship the two players developed during their years together at club level.
‘The Entire World Thanks You’
In his emotional message, Neymar said football fans everywhere had enjoyed watching Messi’s talent throughout his career.
He added that the gratitude should not come only from Argentina, but from football fans around the world.
Neymar also wished Messi an enjoyable farewell and said he hoped the tributes would bring happiness to the Argentine captain.
The Brazilian concluded by thanking Messi for inspiring him to love football even more and for the opportunity to create football history alongside him.
Neymar and Messi Shared History at Barcelona, PSG
Neymar and Messi first became teammates at Barcelona, where they played together from 2013 to 2017.
The pair formed part of the club’s celebrated attacking partnership alongside Luis Suárez, helping Barcelona win major domestic and international honours.
They reunited years later at Paris Saint-Germain, where Neymar and Messi played together from 2021 to 2023.
Their relationship extended beyond club football, with the two stars also meeting as rivals whenever Brazil and Argentina faced each other internationally.
Neymar’s tribute therefore carries the perspective of both a former teammate and one of Messi’s most notable football contemporaries.
Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina
Messi’s farewell match against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental marked the conclusion of his international career.
The Argentine Football Association had arranged the fixture as a special farewell for its captain and all-time leading scorer. FIFA had previously confirmed that Messi would make his final Argentina appearance on October 6.
The match brought together thousands of Argentine supporters and members of the national team’s 2022 World Cup-winning generation to celebrate Messi’s contribution to the country’s football history.
Read also:
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- Neymar Hints At Retirement From Brazilian National Team After Norway Defeat
Messi’s International Legacy
Messi leaves Argentina with a remarkable international record.
He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, ending years of disappointment in major international tournaments.
He also became Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, finishing his international career with 125 goals in 207 appearances before the farewell fixture.
His success with Argentina transformed the relationship between the player and supporters, particularly after his World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
Neymar Thanks Messi for Making Him Love Football
Beyond the trophies and statistics, Neymar’s tribute focused on the personal bond between the two football stars.
The Brazilian recalled the honour of playing against Messi but placed greater emphasis on the experience of playing alongside him and creating memorable moments together.
Neymar’s message highlighted the influence Messi had on fellow players as well as supporters, describing his contribution as something that extends beyond Argentina.
As Messi closes the international chapter of his career, tributes from former teammates such as Neymar underline the global impact of one of football’s most celebrated players.
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