Lionel Messi is undoubtedly the best player the game has seen. But his influence off the pitch is not different from his on-the-pitch performances. He has always had a big influence on young players and talents who then came to Barcelona to succeed. The duo of Neymar and Messi is easily one of the best the game has ever seen. Unreal talent and technical ability, the vision of an eagle, and both tormentors of the ball, there is no better duo when it comes to actual technicality and quality.
They were the masterminds behind Barcelona’s last treble conquest in 2015. Now, the South American duo are enjoying themselves together at PSG. Messi’s move to PSG largely depended on Neymar’s presence and he was essential in that. They are having a stellar season so far and it is no doubt, PSG are looking scary this season. Messi has taken up the playmaking role on his sleeves and is assisting his teammates for fun. PSG and Neymar hope that Messi would extend his contract for another season and stay at PSG. But Barcelona are already plotting a move to bring the Argentine back next season.
Now, reports say that Neymar was almost a Real Madrid player in 2013. The contracts were ready and Perez wanted Neymar badly. But it was Messi who wanted Neymar at Barcelona and the Argentine himself convinced Neymar to come. Messi also forced Barcelona to make an offer for Neymar as soon as Los Blancos made one. But the conversation between the duo was key and at that point of time, Real Madrid withdrew from the negotiations. Messi’s mere presence was enough to attract players to Barcelona which the club has lost in recent times.
Barcelona also have the Neymar issue to deal with
The on-field issues are pretty visible for the Catalans. But there are now a lot of off-field problems that the club is facing. The financial aspects of Barcelona’s earlier management are still to be dealt with. One that the club still has to attend the court hearing for is Neymar Jr’s Barcelona transfer in 2013. There have been irregularities observed in the contract as per Spanish authorities.
Neymar is very clear on his stance that he only signed the paperwork. His dad was the one who looked after everything. He has also denied allegations that he participated in a pre-contract meeting in 2011 that led to his transfer in 2013. If convicted, Neymar will have to pay a hefty fine and possibly complete a jail sentence.
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