Neymar recently sent signed No.10 shirts to Lionel Messi and his three sons, celebrating their close friendship and shared legacy tied to that iconic number. The two football stars first connected while playing together at Barcelona during the 2010s, forging a powerful partnership that delivered multiple trophies and lasting memories. Their bond has endured through club changes and years apart, underpinned by mutual respect and admiration.
During their time at Barcelona, Messi and Neymar were integral parts of a formidable attacking trio known as ‘MSN’ alongside Luis Suarez. Together, they secured eight major trophies for the Catalan club, including a memorable treble in the 2014-15 season, consisting of the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. Neymar departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 as part of a record-breaking transfer, but Messi later reunited with him in Paris in 2021 after leaving Barcelona as a free agent.
Both players eventually left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. Messi joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, bringing renewed attention to the league. Neymar moved to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, enduring an injury-laden two-year period before returning to Santos, his boyhood club in Brazil. There, Neymar played a key role in helping Santos stave off relegation in the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A season.
Neymar and Santos Present a Unique Gift to Messi and His Family
As a reaffirmation of their lasting friendship, Neymar arranged to send three replica Santos jerseys to Lionel Messi and his sons: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. This gesture quickly gained traction on social media, highlighting the meaningful connection between the two football icons and their shared association with the number 10 shirt.
The message posted by Santos accompanying the gift emphasized the symbolic weight of the number 10 jersey across football history. It stated:
“From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius. The Sacred Mantle, of immeasurable value, with the number immortalised by the King. 10 for Neymar. 10 for Messi. 10 for Pelé. An infinite legacy in the history of soccer.”
Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!
Current Careers: Messi at Inter Miami and Neymar’s Return to Santos
While Neymar and Messi no longer share a team, both remain prominent figures within their respective leagues. Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has elevated Major League Soccer’s profile, helping the club secure the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup. His presence has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans and media alike.
Conversely, Neymar’s return to Santos has been marked by challenges. The club struggled with a relegation battle during the 2025 season, narrowly avoiding demotion. Santos has yet to secure a victory in the opening two matches of the 2026 season, and Neymar has been sidelined due to fitness issues but may return for their upcoming fixture against Athletico Paranaense.
Potential Move for Neymar to Join Messi in Major League Soccer
Despite recently renewing his contract with Santos, speculation has surrounded Neymar’s possible transfer to Major League Soccer, where Messi currently plays. Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel shared his perspective on Neymar’s prospects in the United States, weighing the risks and rewards of such a move.
Friedel remarked:
“If Neymar is fit, then I think it works, I really do because he’s still a huge name in certain parts of the US. The trouble is if he’s not fit and he’s injured a lot, then it becomes a negative media-driven reality. I can understand arguments on both sides for sure.”
He further added:
“I would assume, and these are smart guys, it would be a tiered contract based on performances and being fit. Having spent some time in Miami, before Messi came you wouldn’t have really known that Miami had a team. From the time that he came, there are pink and black shirts everywhere. If Neymar came, it would add to that.”
I can understand what they are trying to do. You have to look at it carefully because it’s a tough one due to his injury record. But he has that special talent that can really excite some American fans. He can do some special things. I would probably be 55 for it and 45 against.
Messi is expected to participate in Inter Miami’s opening game of the new MLS season against Los Angeles FC later in the month.
The Significance of Their Friendship and Future Prospects
The ongoing camaraderie between Messi and Neymar, highlighted by the thoughtful gift of signed jerseys, symbolizes more than just personal friendship; it reflects a shared football legacy intertwined with club loyalties and cultural heritage. The number 10 shirt they both proudly wear is steeped in history, linking legendary figures such as Pelé to current icons.
This gesture may serve to nurture the bond between the two players amid changing career paths and leagues, keeping open the possibility of future collaboration, whether on or off the pitch. Neymar’s status and fitness will be crucial factors if he considers joining Messi in MLS, which could have significant implications for the league’s popularity and growth in North America.
As Messi continues to make an impact at Inter Miami and Neymar regains form with Santos, fans and analysts alike remain attentive to how their stories will evolve in the coming seasons, both as individuals and as part of a larger football narrative.
