Messi Champions Neymar's 2026 World Cup Inclusion: 'He Should Always Be There'

"I'll be upfront — I can't be objective here. Neymar's a mate." Those are Lionel Messi's own words, and you've got to appreciate the honesty.

During his appearance on Lo del Pollo earlier this week, Argentina's captain didn't mince words about where he stands: Neymar deserves to represent Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, full stop. Form, fitness, and a nearly two-year absence from the national team since October 2023? Apparently, those are minor details.

"We all want to see the world's best players competing, and Neymar — regardless of his current form — will always count among them," Messi explained. "Having him at the World Cup would be brilliant, given what he represents for Brazil and the beautiful game."

Friendship versus football reality

Look, Messi's loyalty is admirable, but Brazil's predicament isn't quite as straightforward as a testimonial from an old friend. Neymar, who's now 34, hasn't featured in any of Carlo Ancelotti's squads since the Italian manager assumed control earlier in the year. A punishing two-year stretch of persistent injuries, a failed stint with Al Hilal, and his recent homecoming to Santos haven't exactly strengthened his argument for guaranteed selection.

Sure, Brazil's record goalscorer with 79 caps still commands respect on paper. Whether his body can handle the physical demands of a full tournament — 90-minute matches, back-to-back fixtures, and all — remains the million-dollar question that Messi's kind words simply can't resolve.

These two share history stretching back to Barcelona's legendary MSN attacking trio with Luis Suárez, then later reunited at PSG before going separate ways in 2023. That bond clearly matters. "He's got this incredible charisma about him," Messi noted. "He lives authentically, enjoys life, and stays true to himself." Solid character reference, certainly. Not exactly a medical clearance, though.

Implications for Brazil's World Cup wagering landscape

Brazil's standing as World Cup favourites shifts constantly with each new uncertainty surrounding squad fitness and offensive strategy. Whether Neymar returns — or stays sidelined — represents one of the tournament's biggest wildcards. A healthy Neymar logging consistent minutes with Santos between now and June 2026 completely transforms the narrative. An injury-plagued version? That barely registers.

Ancelotti has remained tight-lipped about his selection philosophy. Messi's public backing might generate buzz, but the experienced Italian manager will be monitoring playing time, not personal relationships.

"Naturally, I'd be thrilled to see him feature at the World Cup, to see positive things happen for him because he's earned it as a human being," Messi concluded. The harsh reality? Nearly 24 months without wearing Brazil's colours suggests that deserving something and actually achieving it are entirely separate matters.