Lionel Messi has voiced his unwavering support for Neymar, advocating for the forward’s inclusion in Brazil's roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing injury worries.
As Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, Neymar has been sidelined from the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. Following his return to Santos, he has been working hard to achieve complete match fitness and consistency.
Brazil’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, mentioned that Neymar will be considered for selection if he can demonstrate his full fitness. He added that the striker has a limited timeframe to prove himself ready for the rigors of international competition.
On the show “Lo del Pollo,” Messi highlighted that Neymar remains one of the top talents in the game. He insisted that for Brazil’s strongest lineup, Neymar should always be part of the conversation, regardless of his current condition. Messi expressed that it would be a “wonderful” sight to see Neymar on the World Cup stage, emphasizing his significance to both Brazil and football overall.
Messi, who led Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, also ranked Brazil as one of the frontrunners for the 2026 championship, alongside Spain and France, reaffirming that Brazil consistently possesses the quality and talent to vie for prestigious titles.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, kicking off on June 11.
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