In a candid revelation, Brazilian football star Neymar shared details of a pivotal conversation he had with Lionel Messi before his departure from FC Barcelona. Neymar, who left Barcelona in 2017 to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), recalled how Messi tried to persuade him to stay at Camp Nou, emphasizing the importance of the club in achieving his dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or.
According to Neymar, Messi advised him that staying at Barcelona would significantly increase his chances of winning the prestigious award. “Messi told me, ‘If you want to win the Ballon d’Or, stay at Camp Nou. If you go to Paris, you won’t win it.’ He promised to help me win it if I stayed,” Neymar revealed.
Despite Messi’s advice, Neymar decided to move to PSG, driven by his own ambitions. However, he now reflects on the possibility that he might have won the Ballon d’Or had he remained at Barcelona. Neymar expressed his gratitude to Messi, acknowledging the immense role the Argentine legend played in his development and success at Barcelona.
Neymar’s decision to leave Barcelona remains one of the most talked-about transfers in football history, and his recent comments highlight the close bond and mutual respect between the two football icons.
