"Everyone wants the best players to participate, and Neymar, regardless of his form, is always among them," Messi stated on the program Lo del Pollo on 11/5. "It would be great to see Neymar at the World Cup, given his contributions to Brazil and football."

According to O Globo, Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti plans to include Neymar in the 55-player preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup submitted to FIFA. Ancelotti is closely monitoring the 34-year-old forward's recovery and training. Reports suggest positive progress.

"If Neymar is not yet 100% fit, but can reach that during the World Cup, he could be included", coach Ancelotti said in 3/2026. The Italy coach is carefully considering the final 26-player squad.

Neymar tore his anterior cruciate ligament during Brazil's 0-2 loss to Uruguay in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in 10/2023. He attempted a comeback with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia but was again sidelined by injury. In 1/2025, Neymar returned to his boyhood club, Santos.

Neymar in a Santos club jersey during this season's Brazilian National Championship. Photo: Reuters

Recently, Neymar made headlines for a training ground incident where he slapped 18-year-old teammate Robinho Junior. He later issued a public apology.

Messi and Neymar were teammates at Barca from 2013-2017 and at PSG from 2021-2023. In 2015, they won the Champions League with the Catalan club. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami, and Neymar for Santos. Neymar last played for the Brazil national team in 10/2023.

Messi is also preparing for what could be his final World Cup. Following their 2022 Qatar title, Argentina has largely maintained its squad under coach Lionel Scaloni. Argentina is in group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Brazil is in group C with Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland. The 2026 World Cup will run from 11/6 to 19/7 across the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Vy Anh