Lionel Messi has backed Neymar for a spot in Brazil's World Cup squad, calling the forward one of the best in the world despite lingering questions about his fitness.
Speaking on the 'Lo del Pollo' show, Messi said: "We want the best players to be there, and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them."
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, hasn't played since a serious knee injury in October 2023. He's struggled for consistency since returning to Santos last year.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated Neymar will be considered only if fully fit, giving him two months to prove his readiness.
Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, also named Brazil, Spain, and France as contenders for the 2026 edition, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.