Lionel Messi is Neymar's "idol", claims father

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring with Neymar during the La Liga game between Barcelona and Getafe on March 12, 2016
© AFP
The father of Brazilian international Neymar claims that Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi is his son's "idol".

The father of Barcelona forward Neymar has claimed that Lionel Messi is his son's "idol".

Neymar joined the Spanish giants from Santos in the summer of 2013 and quickly struck up a close relationship with Messi, which has brought Barcelona two league titles, the Champions League and two Copa del Rey crowns thus far.

Neymar Senior has revealed that Messi is his son's 'hero' and credited the Argentine's presence at Camp Nou as one of the main reasons why the 24-year-old decided to make the move to the Catalan giants.

"We all know who Messi is and what he means. He is the idol of my son and for him is a pleasure being at his side," Neymar Senior told Cope. "He is always happy for playing together and he is playing here for Messi."

Luis Suarez has since arrived at Barcelona to form part of the front three famously known as 'MSN'.

Barcelona forward Neymar in action during his side's La Liga clash with Deportivo La Coruna at the Camp Nou on October 15, 2016
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid1073028101824
2Barcelona1071230121822
3Atletico MadridAtletico106312561921
4Sevilla106311813521
5Villarreal105411771019
6Real Sociedad105141612416
7Athletic Bilbao105141513216
8EibarEibar104331614215
9Celta Vigo104241620-414
10Las PalmasLas Palmas103432018213
11Malaga103341414012
12Espanyol102531317-411
13Real Betis103251120-911
14AlavesAlaves102441015-510
15Leganes10316919-1010
16Valencia93061318-59
17Sporting GijonSporting Gijon10235819-119
18Deportivo La CorunaDeportivo9225614-88
19Osasuna101451220-87
20Granada10037824-163