Zimpapers Logo

BARCELONA. — Barcelona forward Neymar is convinced that world football would not quite be the same were it not for the influence of Lionel Messi despite all the problems he has faced recently.

Neymar was speaking in the wake of Messi’s recent conviction for tax fraud which lead to a suspended sentence of 21-months in jail being handed down to the 29-year-old.

“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,” said Neymar in response to questions about his teammate’s sentence. Neymar went on to weigh in about Messi’s decision to retire from international football following Argentina’s failure in the Copa America final.

“I respect his decisions, but football without Messi isn’t football, it’s hard to imagine it without him,” said the 24-year old.

“If you like football at all, then you can’t help but admire Messi and everything he’s achieved for Argentina and Barcelona.” — Reuters.