In football, friendship often finds its limits.
The relations between two players, within a group, are made and unmade to the rhythm of the different transfer markets.
Between two stars also interferes the ego, the desire to be the best, a concept almost inseparable from the great champions.
So imagine Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé in the same locker room.
At first glance, nothing obvious for a possible friendship.
But the world being well done, between Argentina and France, there is Brazil.
Between Messi and Mbappé, there would be Neymar.
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The possibilities of seeing this trio form at PSG are still in the fantasy stage.
But the Brazilian number 10 plays the intermediary.
With Messi, nothing could be easier.
When he arrived at Barça in 2013, Neymar was only 21 years old, only had the status of future genius when the Argentine left-hander already had three Golden Balls.
The hierarchy is clear and "Ney" respects it.
His permanent smile, his talent and his goals forge respect for Messi, whose direct rival instead plays at Real Madrid and is called Cristiano Ronaldo.
In his race for the honorary title of "best player in history", Messi needs Neymar.
If they can add friendship to football, so much the better.
"I have always believed that great players were made to play together"
Their first year together was not a great success.
Beaten by Atlético de Madrid in the league as well as in the Champions League, Barça lives a failed season.
Neymar has had an encouraging start but his level remains far from his real potential.
“I'm here to help you,” Messi wrote to him by message when he arrived.
In February 2019, Neymar looked back on his first moments in Catalonia in a moving way: “I told this story for everyone: when I needed the most support, the main man of this team, the best of the world, introduced himself and gave me affection.
»What to lay the foundations for a solid relationship.
In the summer of 2014, Barça added the S de Suarez to its “MSN” trio.
An undeniable sporting success with the conquest of the Champions League and La Liga.
And there again, a friendship is created.
It is visible on the ground and even the egos disappear, like the penalties left by Chief Messi to his adjutants.
The trio managed three intense seasons together before the departure, not without noise, of Neymar at PSG in 2017. Messi in the lead, the Barcelona did everything to retain him.
But the Argentine also understands the emancipation needs of the little Brazilian brother.
“Good luck and see you soon.
This is, in essence, according to relatives, the last message transmitted.
In Paris, Neymar endorses with Mbappé the role taken by Messi at Barça, that of the protective big brother and the technical leader.
"I've always believed that great players were made to play together," Mbappé recently told France Football.
And then, it was clear between us.
The statutes were established from the start: Neymar is the center of the project, and I am here to help him.
Because, when I arrive, I am just a shooting star who must confirm.
"
Neymar dreams of playing with Messi again
But a year later, the star is registered on the Frenchman's jersey while still eluding the Brazilian.
However, jealousy does not have to be.
Neymar congratulates his teammate who remains the “little one” in the Parisian hierarchy.
Friends, they are.
A little by force of circumstances, some will say.
Arrived the same year, at the end of the contract in June 2022, they are linked to Paris with one goal: to win.
At first, their relationship even seemed a bit 'wrong'.
“It is true that it was a bit excessive but there was nothing premeditated in these abuses, assured Mbappé, still at France Football.
We had to gauge ourselves and get to know each other.
Today, the fate of the two Parisian stars is at a turning point.
Neymar is close to extending his lease.
Mbappé has not yet made a decision.
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If a common future were to emerge between Parisians and Barcelona, Neymar would be the link.
The Brazilian dreams of playing with Messi again.
The Argentines of PSG too.
For Mbappé, the situation might be less ideal.
To continue, the Bondynois awaits a concrete project and a place within this project.
He is no longer 18 and aims higher.
His desire for emancipation grew, like Neymar at the end of his history in Catalonia.