Lionel Messi Eyes Final World Cup, Backs Neymar Return

Messi backs Neymar for Brazil World Cup squad, names Brazil as 2026 contender 

Lionel Messi said Brazil remains a title contender for the 2026 World Cup and backed Neymar’s inclusion if fully fit. The tournament begins June 11 in North America.

Ahead of his likely final World Cup, Lionel Messi backs Brazil to contend in 2026 and urges a Neymar return, with the tournament set to start June 11...

Lionel Messi says Neymar deserves a spot in Brazil’s World Cup squad this year. The former Barcelona duo remains close, and Messi called the forward one of the best players in the world even with questions lingering about his fitness.

Neymar holds the record as Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, but he hasn’t featured for the Selecao since a serious knee injury in October 2023. Since returning to Santos last year, he’s struggled to find consistency.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear Neymar remains in contention if he proves he’s fully fit. Back in April, Ancelotti noted the striker has about two months to show he’s ready for the tournament.

“We want the best players to be there (at the World Cup) ⁠and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them,” Messi said on Lo del Pollo show.

“It would be wonderful to see ‌him at the World Cup because of what he means to Brazil and to football.”

❤️🫂 Leo Messi on Neymar at the World Cup: “I can’t be very objective, he’s a friend of mine. Obviously, I would LOVE for him to go and for good things to happen to him because he deserves it”.

"At World Cups, we always want the best players to be there and Ney, as long as he’s… pic.twitter.com/FBtdBdMPd9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 8, 2026

 

Messi led Argentina to glory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is set for what’s likely his last appearance at the tournament. He also named Brazil as one of the teams to watch for 2026, putting them alongside Spain and France.

“I still believe Brazil is always a contender and ‌has the players necessary to compete for the title in any major tournament,” he said.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11.