Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina and star player for Inter Miami, has publicly backed Neymar for a spot in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. During an appearance on 'Lo del Pollo', Messi stated that the tournament feels incomplete without Neymar, regardless of his recent injuries and form. He emphasized that Neymar, who has scored 79 international goals, is integral to Brazil's football identity. Their friendship dates back to their time at Barcelona, where they formed the iconic MSN trio with Luis Suarez. Neymar's recent struggles have kept him off the Brazilian national team since October 2023, but Messi remains optimistic about his comeback, praising Neymar's unique talent and charisma. Messi noted, “He doesn’t put on an act... He lives his life, he’s happy, and he’s very natural.”