Santos star Neymar has responded to Lionel Messi’s recent praise by saying the Barcelona forward is the best in the world and that it would be a dream to play alongside him.
- Barcelona star Lionel Messi praises fellow Ballon d’Or nominee Neymar
- Santos star Neymar shortlisted for FIFA Ballon d’Or 2012
The 20-year-old, who has been shortlisted for this year’s FIFA Ballon d’Or award for the second year running, was recently called an “excellent player” by Messi.
Neymar was quick to acknowledge the declarations and thanked Messi for the special praise.
He said: “Can you imagine the best in your profession giving you praise? It made me very happy and I can only thank him for his words.”
Messi is in contention to win the Ballon d’Or trophy for the third time in a row and Neymar believes no recipient is more deserving for this year’s accolade than the Argentine forward.
He said: “For me, there are three players who are better than the rest: Iniesta, Ronaldo and Messi.
“But, the best is Messi. There is nobody who can do the things he does.”
Neymar and Messi could actually play alongside each other one day as the Santos star has long been linked with a move to the Catalan giants, but more so recently following rumours that a pre-contract agreement is already in place.
“To play alongside Messi would be a dream. Even just training with him would make me very happy,” he concluded.
