'Love Football More'-Neymar Issues Emotional Lionel Messi Tribute Ahead of Argentina Farewell
Countless tributes and messages have been directed Lionel Messi's way in the hours leading up to his final game for Argentina. Long-time teammate, rival and close friend Neymar wrote a tribute of his own, stating Messi made him "love football even more.
Neymar shared the pitch with Messi at the club level for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and was even present when Messi lifted his maiden Argentina trophy, given it came at the expense of Brazil in the2021 Copa América. Before Messi's farewell, Neymar took to social media to celebrate his friend's illustrious international career.
Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years," Neymar posted to Instagram. "Today is your last game with the shirt of your national team, of your country, and I hope you enjoy every second, may all the tributes today make you happy.
It's not only Argentina that thanks you, the whole world thanks you for everything you've done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more.
It was an honor to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you. THANK YOU, Leo Messi," Neymar finished, adding an emoji of a goat at the end of his message.
Neymar and Messi won everything there was to win during their four seasons together at Barcelona, forming a lasting friendship and two-thirds of the greatest attacking trio in soccer history. The final head of that three-headed monster also paid homage to Messi before his last dance with La Albiceleste.
Luis Suarez's Messi Tribute: 'Feel Very Proud of Yourself' Lionel Messi (left) and Luis Suárez have established a bond that extends beyond the pitch. The legendary Uruguayan striker then followed Messi to Inter Miami, and the duo are evenco-owners of a soccer teamin Suárez's home country.
The pair of lethal South American goal scorers have been close friends for over a decade, and on Messi's landmark day, Suárez made sure to pay his respects with a video tribute. (chubby), Suárez started, via DSports.
"I just wanted to send you a big hug. I hope you enjoy your last match wearing your country's national team shirt very much-which was so important for your career."