Brazilian footballer Neymar paid a heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi on Tuesday, ahead of Messi's final international appearance with Argentina. In a social media post, Neymar expressed his gratitude to Messi for his impact on the sport. Messi will wear the Argentina shirt for the last time against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, marking the end of an international career spanning over two decades.
Messi's illustrious career with Argentina has seen him make 207 appearances and score a record 125 goals. Neymar, who has had a storied career with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, shared a message with Messi, stating that his farewell extends far beyond Argentina. Neymar said the world thanks Messi for everything he has done for football.
The relationship between Neymar and Messi has been one of the defining friendships of their generation. They first teamed up at Barcelona in 2013, forming a prolific attacking trio with Luis Suarez known as MSN. They later reunited at Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before Messi left the French club two years later.
Their international careers have also placed them on opposite sides of the Argentina-Brazil rivalry. One notable encounter was the 2021 Copa América final, when Messi's Argentina defeated Brazil at the Maracana to win his first senior international title. This triumph was part of a late-career transformation of Messi's relationship with the national team.
Messi went on to lift the 2022 World Cup and another Copa América in 2024 before announcing his international retirement following Argentina's run to the 2026 World Cup final. Neymar closed his message by mentioning both their rivalry and partnership, expressing his honor in having played against and alongside Messi.
Messi's farewell against Benin brings an end to a 21-year Argentina career, while his club career with Inter Miami continues. The 39-year-old will look to cherish his final international appearance, with Neymar and the football world paying tribute to his achievements.
The occasion marks a significant moment in football history, with Messi's legacy cemented as one of the greatest players of all time. His influence on and off the pitch has inspired a generation of footballers, including Neymar, who has often spoken about the admiration he has for Messi's skills and dedication to the sport.
Key points
- Neymar paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of his final international appearance with Argentina.
- Messi will end his 21-year international career with Argentina, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals.
- Neymar and Messi have a storied history, having played together at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and against each other in international competitions.
