Argentina and Inter Miami CF star Lionel Messi said that Neymar is one of the best players in the world and thus has to be at the World Cup with Brazil.
"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 told Pollo Álvarez en his 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. I hope he can be there, but I can't be objective, because he always has to be there.
"I can't be objective. Neymar is a friend ... Obviously, I'd love for him to be at the World Cup, for good things to happen to him because he deserves it for the kind of person he is. And I hope he can be there."
Messi, 38, and Neymar, 34, have remained good friends since playing together for four seasons at Barça and a further two years at Paris Saint-Germain
Both players left PSG in 2023, with the Argentina captain joining MLS club Inter Miami and Neymar moving to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
"He has a very special charisma," Messi said of Neymar. "He doesn't put on an act, he lives his life as it is, according to what he feels without worrying about the repercussions. He lives his life, he's happy, and he's very natural."
Neymar returned to Santos a little more than a year ago and is hoping to recover his best form to play for Brazil at what would be his fourth World Cup.
However, injuries and form have prevented him from playing for Brazil since October 2023. In fact, Brazil's all-time top scorer with 79 goals has been excluded from all of manager Carlo Ancelotti's squads since the Italian took over in June.
"He is capable of getting back to 100%," Ancelotti told L'Equipe about Neymar last month.
Neymar had minor surgery on his left knee on Dec. 22. In late March he underwent a knee procedure as well.
Messi said that there are national teams heading into the World Cup in better form than the Albiceleste, singling out France, Spain, and Brazil as the favorites.
"We know that the World Cup is always a complicated affair due to the caliber of the teams involved. We have to be hopeful -- just as every Argentine always is whenever there is an official competition, whether it's the Copa América or the World Cup -- but we must also acknowledge that there are other favorites ahead of us who are arriving in better shape," he said.
When asked who he considers to be the favorites, Messi said: "I believe that, right now, France is looking very strong once again; they possess a wealth of high-caliber players. I also think Spain is a contender, as is Brazil -- even though they haven't been at their absolute best lately. I still believe Brazil is always a contender and has the players necessary to compete for the title in any major tournament."
Messi said the national teams of Germany, England and Portugal, fall into a second tier of contenders, noting that Portugal "boasts a very competitive and excellent squad."
Messi said it would be impossible to guess which country might win the World Cup, saying: "there are many high-level teams," and "there is always a surprise in store."
About Argentina, Messi said the team "is arriving in good shape, even though right now many of the guys are dealing with injuries or a lack of match fitness.
"The truth is, whenever the group comes together, it has been proven that this is a squad that competes hard and always strives to win."
The Inter Miami player also addressed the squad turnover, adding that "there are many young players who are about to play in their second World Cup.
"They already have a wealth of experience under their belts, yet they are still quite young.
"Furthermore, it has become evident recently that new talent keeps emerging. There are still plenty of young players coming up through the ranks with tremendous drive and energy."
Messi made no mention of a possible retirement from football, saying instead: "I love playing the game, and I will keep doing so until I simply can't anymore."
