Neymar: 'It is good Messi is not at the Olympics'

Neymar may be the star of Brazil's Olympic side, but despite the absence of Argentina from the competition, he is still struggling to avoid questions on Lionel Messi.

The Santos youngster, 19, has found himself compared to his Argentine senior throughout his career and now, with Messi absent, Neymar has a chance to make his own mark, without the shadow of the Barcelona man hanging overe his head.

''Messi is a star, like I always say. But, it is good he is not at the Olympics,'' Neymar told Globo Esporte. 

''I am happy to be part of the Olympic Games. Everybody knows Brazil's potential. I hope to have a good tournament and win the gold.''

Brazil kick-off their campaign against Egypt in Cardiff on Thursday at 19.45 BST.