Lionel Messi has backed former Barcelona teammate Neymar to be included in Brazil’s squad for this year’s World Cup, saying the forward remains one of the world’s best despite concerns over his fitness.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 and has struggled for consistency since returning to Santos last year.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly said Neymar will be considered for selection if he proves his fitness before the tournament.
“We want the best players to be there at the World Cup and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said on the “Lo del Pollo” show.
“It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football.”
Messi, who captained Argentina national football team to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar and is expected to play his final tournament in 2026, also named Brazil among the favourites for next year’s competition alongside Spain and France.
“I still believe Brazil is always a contender and has the players necessary to compete for the title in any major tournament,” he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, United States and Mexico, begins on June 11.
