The Brazilian star has opened up on what Neymar said about Messi—sometimes with reverence, sometimes with candor. In doing so, he’s revealed not only his admiration for one of football’s greatest, but also the complex relationship between two icons who’ve shared fields, clubs, and moments of glory (and tension). In this article, StefaKick will accompany you through the most revealing quotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and emotional dynamics that surround what Neymar has expressed about Messi.
The Idol Speaks: Neymar’s Early Praise for Messi
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- Neymar has repeatedly called Messi “the best player I’ve ever played with,” using words like “genius” and “inspiration” when referencing the Argentine’s footballing gifts.
- He once said, “I prefer that Argentina wins the World Cup. Messi deserves it for all he has done in football.”
- Early in his Barça years, Neymar admitted Messi helped him more during times of hardship—advising him to stay calm, play his own game, and trust that things would work out.
These kinds of remarks frame Neymar’s public respect for Messi not as mere flattery, but as a genuine acknowledgment of a footballing icon who also became a supportive teammate.
The Surprise Revelation: “I Helped Messi Take Penalties”
One of the most talked-about statements comes from a recent interview where Neymar dropped a bombshell: he claimed to have taught Messi how to take penalties.
- Neymar said: “I helped Messi take penalties! We were in training, he asked me… ‘How do you take penalties like that?’”
- He laughed, “I thought, ‘Are you crazy? You’re Messi!’ But then I taught him, and he trained.”
- This came during a podcast on “Podpah,” where Neymar affirmed the story as a real anecdote.
This remark sent ripples among fans: the idea that Messi—a maestro in so many aspects of the game—would seek out Neymar’s insight on spot kicks is a striking inversion of what many expect. Yet it also captures the humility in Neymar’s approach to their relationship: admiration, yes—but also a willingness to contribute in small but meaningful ways.
Reactions and Debates
- Some fans embraced his claim, pointing to subtle shifts in Messi’s penalty style over time, especially after joining PSG.
- Others were skeptical, wondering if it was hyperbole or a narrative to spark debate.
- Regardless of its literal truth, the story underscores how Neymar wants to be seen in relation to Messi: not just a follower, but someone whose own skill still carries weight—even for the GOAT.
When Things Got Hard: “We Lived Through Hell”
Not all of Neymar’s remarks about Messi are glowing. Some reflect strain, pressure, and the realities of carrying expectations in the same team.
- During their stint together at Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar said the two “lived through hell”—alluding to the backlash, internal tension, and unmet ambitions that plagued their time in Paris.
- He admitted: “We get upset … we’re not there for nothing. We came to make history. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it.”
- That phrase resonates: for two world-class stars, collaborating in the same squad is far.
This darker shade adds depth to what Neymar said about Messi—it’s not all poetic admiration, but also an acknowledgment of conflict, frustration, and shared burden.
Mutual Respect: How Messi Has Spoken of Neymar in Return
To grasp the full dynamic, it’s helpful to see how Messi reciprocates—or frames—their connection.
- Messi has referred to Neymar as “a phenomenon,” praising his flair and influence while stressing that their skills do differ.
- In interviews, he’s acknowledged Neymar’s importance to the teams they shared, especially during Barcelona’s golden years.
The mutual respect strengthens the sense that what Neymar said about Messi isn’t idol worship but part of a genuine peer relationship—one where both acknowledge the other’s unique brilliance and role.
Thematic Patterns: Admiration, Reversal, Vulnerability
Looking across Neymar’s comments, several themes emerge:
- Admiration and awe – He often frames Messi as a guiding light, someone whose presence elevates even his own game.
- Role reversal and humility – The penalty anecdote flips the script: Neymar, helping Messi, shows humility and confidence at once.
- Conflict and pressure – No portrayal is naïve; Neymar doesn’t shy. Emotional proximity – Their bond is painted as more than professional: friendship, mutual support, vulnerability.
These patterns make what Neymar said about Messi compelling beyond clickbait. They offer insight into how top-tier players relate to one another under scrutiny and expectation.
Why These Words Resonate with Fans
For the audience seeking more than gossip, Neymar’s words offer:
- A peek behind the curtain—glimpses into locker-room life, training dynamics, internal pressure.
- Humanizing moments—yes, Messi is a legend, but here’s Neymar interacting with him not as a pedestal, but as teammate.
- Debate fodder—the penalty claim alone invites analysis, critique, and revisiting Messi’s technical evolution.
- Emotional hooks—fans love the narratives where giants of football reflect, argue, support, and grow among each other.
For a site like StefaKick, delivering these moments with context, nuance, and fact is the key to creating evergreen yet timely content.
Final Thoughts
What Neymar said about Messi reveals far more than praise: it charts a layered, evolving relationship—one of admiration, reversal, struggle, and closeness. From teaching penalties to enduring “hell” together, Neymar’s words offer color and texture to a bond often oversimplified by media.
If you’re curious about the full stories behind these remarks, or want match-by-match breakdowns of when Messi and Neymar shone as a duo, keep exploring StefaKick. We’ll dig deeper, track their paths, and bring you fresh analysis—because fans deserve stories with depth, not just headlines.
