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Argentina captain Lionel Messi has voiced his support for former Barcelona and PSG teammate Neymar, insisting the Brazilian star still deserves a place in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 despite ongoing injury and fitness concerns.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, has not represented the national side since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023.
Since returning to Santos FC last year, the 33-year-old has struggled to regain rhythm and consistency.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, however, has repeatedly kept the door open for Neymar’s return and recently stated that the forward still has time to prove his fitness ahead of the tournament.
Speaking on the Lo del Pollo show, Messi stressed that players of Neymar’s calibre should always be considered for football’s biggest stage.
“We want the best players to be there and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said. “It would be wonderful to see him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner also named Brazil among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup, alongside reigning champions Argentina, as well as 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 added.
Messi, who famously guided Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, is expected to feature in what could be his final appearance at the global event.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States of America (USA), Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11.
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