IN addition to being one of the world’s best, Lionel Messi is a mate on and off the pitch, according to Brazilian teammate Neymar.
Speaking to Canal+ after Barcelona’s 5-0 destruction of Levante in which the Argentine netted his 23rd La Liga hat-trick, Neymar heaped praise on his inspirational teammate.
“Messi is spectacular,” he said. “A friend off the field and on it as well.”
Barcelona’s lethal South American trio of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez is finding its stride of late, with all scoring in Sunday’s win at Camp Nou. And Neymar says the group’s blossoming was all just a matter of time.
“We had to have minutes together and we are having it now. Leo and Suarez are two great players. We should enjoy them and Pedro, because they are fantastic players.”
Neymar, who took some time to show his best at Barca, has been in fine form this campaign, recording 24 goals and eight assists in 29 games thus far.
Led by their sensational front, Barcelona have won 11 straight matches and will take on Manchester City next Tuesday in the Champions League round of 16.