Lionel Messi and his three sons have received a special gift from former Barcelona team-mate Neymar, underlining the enduring friendship between two of football’s biggest stars.
Neymar and Santos sent signed No.10 shirts to Messi and his sons — Thiago, Mateo and Ciro — celebrating the iconic shirt number worn by both players. The gesture was shared on social media by Santos, with a message praising Messi, Neymar and Brazilian great Pelé.
“From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius,” the post read.
“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 football.
“Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi.”
From Barcelona brilliance to lasting friendship
Messi and Neymar formed a close bond during their time at Barcelona in the 2010s. Together, they won eight major trophies, including a historic treble of the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey during the 2014–15 season. Alongside Luis Suárez, they created the formidable ‘MSN’ attacking trio.
Their partnership was interrupted in 2017 when Neymar left Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record transfer. Messi later reunited with his former team-mate in Paris after leaving Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021.
Diverging paths after Paris
Both players departed PSG in 2023. Messi moved to Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, while Neymar joined Saudi club Al-Hilal. Neymar’s two-year spell in Saudi Arabia was severely disrupted by injury, and he has since returned to boyhood club Santos in Brazil.
The 34-year-old played a key role in helping Santos avoid relegation from the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A in the 2025 season. However, the club have made a slow start to the 2026 campaign, failing to win either of their opening two matches.
Neymar has yet to feature this season due to fitness issues but could return for Thursday’s match against Athletico Paranaense.
Messi flourishing in MLS
Messi continues to thrive in the United States, having transformed Inter Miami since his arrival. He has already guided the club to the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and the 2025 MLS Cup, significantly raising the profile of the league.
MLS move still a talking point
Despite recently extending his contract with Santos, speculation has continued over whether Neymar could eventually follow Messi to MLS.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel recently suggested such a move could work if Neymar remains fit, highlighting the Brazilian’s star power while also pointing to concerns over his injury record.
Messi is expected to feature in Inter Miami’s opening match of the new MLS season later this month against Los Angeles FC.
