Six-time world footballer of the year and Barcelona star, Lionel Messi clocked 33 on Wednesday, and he has been receiving a plethora of birthday messages.
Although he couldn’t mark his day with a goal against Athletico Bilbao, Messi will still be happy to turn the provider of the chance for Ivan Rakitic to convert.
Neymar, who had a close relationship with the Argentine talisman too to his Instagram page with a picture where he hugged his former teammate at Barcelona in their respective nations l team jersey and wrote: ” Feliz cumple Hermano @leomessi, which is translated Happy birthday brother @leomessi.
Neymar and Messi relationship at Barcelona
Neymar had a flourishing relationship with Messi dueting his stint with Barcelona before securing a world-record move to Paris Sainte-Germaine. The pair had been pulling down defensive strongholds and getting the titles in the bag for the Blaugrana. The Brazilian superstar led the Camp Nou after scoring 105 goals for FC Barcelona from 186 appearances that he had made for FCB.
After joining Barca in 2013, shortly after the confederations cup, Neymar was among the top three of the Baloon D’Or nominees in 2015 with his partnership with Messi flourishing. For instance, the scored 20 goals at a time in the 2015 season, where they were both battling injuries with only Luis Suarez 29 at the club.
During the time that the whole burden was on Messi alone to open up their opponents and create chances for his team, the Brazilian on his arrival relieves him of the stress of doing that all the time. This reflected in their age of play.
It, therefore, became difficult for opponents to mark them out as they had to deal with two world-class players.
Neymar wants to return to Barcelona
It could be recalled that Neymar had wanted a return to Barcelona last summer, but the move couldn’t materialize to the disappointment of Messi, who wants to have his old pal back with him. This move led to backlashes between Neymar and PSG fans who saw him as a betrayer.
With that sorted after the Brazilian led the team to the last eight of the Champions League competition, Neymar could just end up saying hello to his brother from France right now.
Suarez greets Messi
Also congratulating the world footballer of the year is his teammate, Luis Suarez, as they both enjoyed drinks. In his Instastory, Suarez described Messi as a companion.
“some mates with the companion Feliz compliances chaval,” he said.