The friendship between Lionel Messi and Neymar dates back to when Neymar left Santos for Barcelona in 2013. Their bond deepened over the years. After Neymar moved to PSG in 2017, they saw each other less frequently, but their emotional connection remained strong. Messi even tried to bring Neymar back to Barcelona, but was unsuccessful.

When Messi left Barcelona as a free agent, Neymar played a key role in bringing him to PSG. From 2021 to 2023, they played together at the Paris club. Last summer, Messi joined Inter Miami while Neymar moved to Saudi club Al Hilal. Despite meeting less often, Neymar remarked that their emotional relationship remains unchanged.Neymar confirmed that he and Messi regularly exchange phone calls and messages. In a recent interview with Band Sports, the Al Hilal star expressed his admiration for Messi, calling him both a role model and a friend.

"We are far away from each other, but we talk a lot," Neymar said about their relationship. "Even yesterday, he sent me a message. We are happy for each other. He messaged me after I won the title here, and I have spoken to him."

The scene of Neymar crying hugging Messi after losing to Argentina in last year's Copa America final went viral on social media. After that, the two were seen hanging out together in the dressing room. Apart from this, the two have been seen expressing their fascination with each other at various times.