Neymar sends birthday message to Lionel Messi, shares picture from PSG days on Instagram
Neymar Jr. took to Instagram to wish Lionel Messi on his birthday, sharing a picture of the duo from their days at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The two also played together at Barcelona before the Brazilian superstar moved to France to join the Parisians. After Messi's Barca contract ended, they reunited at the Parc des Princes.
They formed a beautiful partnership at Camp Nou, alongside Luis Suarez, winning an impressive array of trophies together. The duo racked up two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies. Continentally, they won the Champions League while also winning the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
During the two years that both players were at PSG, they won three trophies, including consecutive Ligue 1 titles alongside Kylian Mbappe. As Lionel Messi celebrated his 37th birthday on Monday (June 24), his former teammate shared an old picture on his Instagram stories:
While the Brazilian superstar left the Parisian giants to continue his career in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, his Argentine counterpart moved across the pond to the MLS. It has not been easy for Neymar, whose debut season in the Middle East was marred by injuries (cruciate ligament tear and muscular problems). This has also led to his absence from the Brazil national team for their Copa America participation.
The case has been different for Lionel Messi, who has been a regular for Inter Miami since he left PSG. He was one of the best players in the MLS in the 2023-24 season, scoring 12 goals in 12 games while providing nine assists. The playmaker has been reunited with former Barcelona players like Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba at the Florida-based club.
Neymar opens up on possible Lionel Messi reunion
There is a chance that Neymar could join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, where the Argentine superstar is lighting up the MLS. It has been a struggle for the Brazilian to return to fitness and continue his career in Saudi Arabia. This has led to regular rumors surrounding him moving to the USA.
He won't be the first to reunite with Messi after Alba, Suarez, and Sergio Busquets did so. When he was asked about potentially playing with his former Barcelona teammates again, Neymar said (via ESPN):
"Hopefully we can play together again. Leo is a great person, everyone knows him in football and I think he is very happy and if he is happy, I am too."
Time will tell if the duo end up playing together professionally once more. In the meantime, though, the Brazilian star will be looking to return to full fitness and prepare for the upcoming season with Al-Hilal.