Neymar pays tribute to Messi: Thank you for making me love football even more

One of the most significant meetings between Neymar and Messi at the international stage came in 2021 during the Copa America final. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Former Barcelona and PSG teammate Neymar penned an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi ahead of the Argentina legend’s farewell match against Benin on Tuesday.

Messi announced his international retirement weeks after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss to Spain, bringing the curtains down on an Argentina career which began back in 2005.

One of the most significant meetings between Neymar of Brazil and Messi at the international stage came in 2021 during the Copa America final. It was Argentina which came away with a narrow 1-0 win, ending the nation’s 28-year wait for a major men’s senior international trophy.

Quem ama futebol te aproveitou ao longo desses anos… Hoje é seu ultimo jogo com a camisa da tua seleção, do teu país e eu espero que você curta cada segundo, que todas as homenagens hoje te façam feliz. Não é só Argentina que te agradece, o mundo agradece por tudo que fez ao futebol. Obrigado por me fazer amar ainda mais o futebol, foi uma honra ter jogado contra você e mais ainda fazer história ao seu lado. GRACIAS Leo Messi 🐐

— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) October 6, 2026

“Who loves football has enjoyed you throughout these years…Today is your last game in the shirt of your national team, of your country, and I hope you savour every second, that all the tributes today make you happy,” the Brazilian, who himself announced international retirement after Brazil’s Round of 16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, began in his tribute on X.

“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football.

“Thank you for making me love football even more, it was an honour to have played against you and even more so to make history by your side,” Neymar added.