Sport
“Calm Down, We’re Here to Help You” – Messi Helps Neymar Through Tough Start at Barcelona
Neymar Jr has revealed how Lionel Messi played a key role in helping him adjust to life at Barcelona during his early days at the club.
The Brazilian forward made a name for himself with Santos, where he debuted in 2009 and helped the team win the Copa Libertadores in 2011.
In 2013, Neymar made the high-profile move to Barcelona, joining forces with Messi and Luis Suárez to form one of the most deadly attacking trios in football history—MSN.
“I spent the first six months at Barça with butterflies in my stomach,” Neymar confessed in a conversation with Brazilian football legend Romário. “I couldn’t dribble anyone, couldn’t get past anyone, I felt like I was doing everything wrong.”
He recalled a particularly tough match against Athletic Bilbao, where he was so frustrated with his performance that he locked himself in the washroom during halftime, fighting back tears. But that’s when Messi stepped in.
“Neymar, why are you crying?” Messi asked him. Neymar tried to brush it off, saying he was fine, but Messi, along with Dani Alves, reassured him.
“Calm down, we’re here to help you. We want you to play like you did at Santos, without any pressure. If you need anything, you can count on me.
Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has taken a light jab at Cristiano Ronaldo while praising Lionel Messi as one of the best players in football history. Speaking with talkSPORT, the former Argentina striker highlighted Messi’s impact at Inter Miami, saying the club had little to celebrate before the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner joined.
Aguero said, “It’s a big deal for Inter Miami, especially with Leo there. Even if it hurts some Ronaldo fans, Messi is one of those players everyone wants to watch.”
He pointed out that since Messi arrived, Inter Miami has lifted trophies they had never won before, including the MLS title in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024. In contrast, Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, has only managed to win the Arab Club Champions Cup since joining the team.
Former Atalanta striker Germán Denis has advised Ademola Lookman to consider a move to Napoli this summer. Denis believes the Nigerian forward would be a strong addition to the Serie A champions, praising his progress and current form.
“Lookman has grown a lot. He’s now a game-changer and would be a perfect fit for Napoli,” Denis said in an interview with Radio Goal, as shared by Napoli Magazine.
Lookman, who joined Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, has been linked with a possible transfer this summer. The 27-year-old played a key role in helping Atalanta lift the 2024 UEFA Europa League trophy.
Kylian Mbappé has named former Spanish international Sergio Ramos as his ideal captain, calling him a natural-born leader. In an interview with Canal Plus, the French forward praised Ramos for his commanding presence and influence both on and off the pitch.
“My dream captain? Sergio Ramos,” Mbappé said. “He was born to lead. Whether it’s in the dressing room or on the field, his presence speaks for itself. Even without the armband, it feels like the armband chooses him.”
Mbappé and Ramos shared two seasons together at Paris Saint-Germain, appearing in 51 matches as teammates. The connection between the two clearly left a mark on the 25-year-old striker. Ramos eventually returned to La Liga with Sevilla after leaving PSG. As for Mbappé, he made headlines by joining Real Madrid in 2024 after choosing not to renew his contract with PSG, leaving on a free transfer.
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