Berlin (DB-Stats Perform)
The Argentine star, Lionel Messi, confirmed that he had hoped to play alongside the Brazilian Neymar for a longer period in Barcelona, but he loves their presence together in the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain, the French league champion.
A friendship relationship between Neymar and Messi was established during four years, during which they were together at the Camp Nou.
Messi and Neymar contributed to Barcelona winning the Spanish League twice, the King’s Cup three times, and the Champions League once, before Neymar moved to Saint Germain in a record deal worth 222 million euros.
Barcelona’s financial difficulties caused Messi to move to the Parc des Princes, Saint Germain’s stronghold, to join his former colleague.
Messi and Neymar did not give their best last season, but they started the current season in great shape under coach Christophe Galtier.
Neymar scored 19 goals in all competitions, to be the top scorer in the five major European leagues, while Messi scored 14 goals to be third on the list.
“With Neymar, we have known each other for a long time, by heart, since our time in Barcelona,” Messi told the Mexican channel “Toden”.
He added: “I would have liked to enjoy him for a longer time in Barcelona, but I met him once more in Paris and we are happy to be together, I love playing with him.”
And Messi moved to talk regarding their partner in the attacking line, Kylian Mbappe, and said: “Killian is a different player.”
He added: “He is a very strong beast, he moves from space to space, he is fast and scores a lot of goals, a very complete player, and he proves himself over the years…. In the coming years he will definitely be among the best.”
