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Argentina star Lionel Messi has backed the inclusion of close teammate Neymar in Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. Messi described his former Barcelona teammate as one of the best players in the world, despite concerns over his fitness.
Neymar, one of Brazil’s most important players, has not played for the national team since suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023. He has struggled to maintain consistency since returning to his boyhood club Santos after terminating his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal last year.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly said that Neymar will be considered if he is fully fit. Ancelotti also said in April that he was keeping the striker’s place in the team open and that he had two months to prove his qualities.
Messi said on the Lo del Pollo show that he wants the best players to be at the World Cup, and Neymar is one of them, regardless of his form, adding that he is important for Brazil and football.
Messi, who helped Argentina win the World Cup in Qatar 2022 with his outstanding performance, is still remembered by fans. However, it is expected that this year’s World Cup will be the last time the Argentine forward will be seen.
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Reuters’s reporting contributed to this article.
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