Neymar Jr recently sent personalized Santos jerseys as gifts to Lionel Messi, his former teammate at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), symbolizing their enduring friendship. The jerseys, featuring Neymar’s name and the classic no. 10, were given to Messi and his sons Mateo and Ciro, capturing a touching moment shared between the players and their families.
A photo shared by Santos, Neymar’s childhood and current club, shows Messi and his sons proudly holding the custom jerseys. The club included a heartfelt message with the image:
“From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius. The Sacred Jersey, of immeasurable value, with the number immortalized by the King. 10 for Neymar. 10 for Messi. 10 for Pelé. An infinite legacy in the history of football. Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!”
Shared History and On-Field Connection Between Neymar and Messi
The collaboration between Neymar and Messi began when Neymar moved from Santos to Barcelona ahead of the 2013/14 season. Their first successful combination came in a LaLiga match against Valencia, where Messi scored all three goals in a 3-2 victory, with Neymar assisting the last. This partnership flourished at Barcelona until Neymar’s transfer to PSG in 2017, breaking their direct collaboration for several years.
The pair reunited at PSG in 2021 after Messi’s high-profile move to the French club. While they replicated several productive combinations in Ligue 1, most of their joint goal involvements occurred during their time at Barcelona. Notably, Neymar has played alongside Messi more than any other player, with 206 appearances and a combined contribution of 67 goals across both clubs.
Neymar’s Public Admiration for Messi as an Idol
In 2016, Neymar openly referred to Messi not only as a friend but as his idol, during a challenging time when Messi faced conviction for tax fraud. Neymar expressed sympathy and unwavering support amid the controversy, emphasizing Messi’s importance to football.
“Messi is not only my friend, he is also my idol, and I will always support him. I can imagine what he is going through,”
Neymar added:
“I respect his decisions, but football without Messi isn’t football, it’s hard to imagine it without him. If you like football at all, then you can’t help but admire Messi and everything he’s achieved for Argentina and Barcelona.”
Celebrating Their Most Successful Season Together
The 2014/15 season remains the pinnacle of Neymar and Messi’s partnership, as they played a vital role in Barcelona’s historic treble-winning campaign. Their combined skill and teamwork helped the club secure LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League titles, marking a significant chapter in both players’ careers and in football history.
Legacy and Symbolism of the Shared Jerseys
The gift of personalized Santos jerseys signifies more than a simple gesture; it reflects the deep respect and connection between Neymar and Messi. Wearing the no. 10 shirt symbolizes a shared legacy tied to Santos’ rich history and the iconic Pelé, who also donned the number. By passing these jerseys to Messi’s sons, Neymar highlights the ongoing impact of their friendship and influence on the next generation.
As Messi and Neymar continue their careers, these moments showcase the bond that transcends club affiliations and competitive rivalries, hinting at future collaborations and shared memories on and off the pitch.
