The roots of the great relationship between Neymar Jr and Leo Messi

One of the secrets of FC Barcelona’s success in recent years is the wonderful atmosphere among the squad – and most especially that between Leo Messi, Neymar Jr and Luis Suárez. On his own website, the Brazilian has published a report in which he reveals the story behind his close friendship with the Argentinian.

Neymar Jr was welcomed with open arms by his new team-mates in the summer of 2013, and by Messi in particular. It’s a relationship that may compare to the way the Argentinian himself forged a special understanding on both a professional and personal level with the great Ronaldinho a decade earlier.

Neymar himself admits this when he says that “our understanding on the field means we get to see similar images of us as there were of the goal celebrations involving Messi and Ronaldinho.”

Their partnership is not only reflected on the pitch. “He adapted very quickly to the squad because of the kind of person he is” says Messi. “He came here very young. He’s a cheerful lad and there’s nothing nasty about him. He’s an incredible person."

Neymar still maintains what he said when he arrived at Barça three years ago: “Being at the best club in the world makes you get better every day.”

Such mutual admiration has unquestionably helped to produce such amazing results on the pitch. “He was always a Messi fan, and he understood that he had him by his side” explains Brazilian journalist Mauro Beting.

Not long after, a third element was added to the association - Luis Suárez. “What they have achieved shows that the best players can play in the same team” concludes former Barça and Argentina boss Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.