Lionel Messi backs Neymar for World Cup selection with Brazil

Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023 after suffering a serious knee injury and has struggled since returning to Santos. The 34-year-old, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, has however been included in Carlo Ancelotti's 55-man provisional squad - which will be trimmed to a final 26-man roster for the global showpiece.

Still, Messi believes Brazil and football would benefit from Neymar featuring at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"We want the best players to be there, and Neymar, no matter his form, will always be one of them," Messi said on the 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. I hope he can be there, but I can't be objective because he always has to be there.

"Neymar is a friend. Obviously, I'd love for him to be at the World Cup and for good things to happen to him because he deserves it for the kind of person he is."

Messi and Neymar spent four seasons together at Barcelona before reuniting at Paris Saint-Germain, remaining close friends after both left PSG in 2023. Messi joined Inter Miami, while Neymar moved to Al Hilal before eventually returning to Santos.

The Argentina captain also praised Neymar's personality and influence on the game.

"He has a very special charisma," Messi said. "He doesn't put on an act, he lives his life as it is, according to what he feels without worrying about the repercussions. He's happy, and he's very natural."

Despite Neymar's setbacks, Ancelotti recently said the forward is capable of returning to full fitness, although the Brazilian has undergone multiple knee procedures in recent months.

Messi, meanwhile, is preparing for what could be his final World Cup appearance after leading Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola: Phil Foden needs to rediscover love for the game