Neymar and Santos have delivered a heartwarming gesture to Lionel Messi and his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, by sending them signed No.10 shirts. The special gift highlights the deep bond between the two football superstars, who share a passion for the iconic shirt number famously worn by legends like Pelé. This touching act has captured the attention of football fans worldwide, showcasing the enduring friendship between the former Barcelona teammates. Santos also included a touching message praising both Neymar and Messi alongside the legendary Pelé, further emphasizing the legacy of the No.10 shirt in football history.
Neymar and Santos Send Special Gift to Messi and Sons
The latest demonstration of the strong friendship between Neymar and Lionel Messi arrived when the Brazilian star sent three replica Santos jerseys to Messi and his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The heartfelt gesture quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the relationship between the two football icons.
Santos posted on their official social media account: "From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius. The Sacred Mantle, of immeasurable value, with the number immortalised by the King. 10 for Neymar. 10 for Messi. 10 for Pelé. An infinite legacy in the history of soccer. Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!"
This symbolic gift not only celebrates their personal friendship but also honors the legendary No.10 shirt number that has been worn by some of the greatest players in football history, including Pelé himself.
The Messi-Neymar Partnership: From Barcelona to PSG
Messi and Neymar first became close friends during their time together at Barcelona, where they formed one of the most lethal attacking trios in football history alongside Luis Suárez. Together, they won an impressive eight trophies with the Catalan club, including a historic treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey, and the Champions League during the 2014-15 season. Their electrifying "MSN" partnership became legendary, terrorizing defenses across Europe and delighting fans with their incredible chemistry on the pitch.
Their successful partnership came to a temporary end in 2017 when Neymar made a world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, the two stars were reunited in Paris in 2021 when Messi joined PSG after leaving Barcelona as a free agent. Although their time together in France was cut short, with both players leaving in 2023, their bond off the field remained stronger than ever.
Messi Excels in MLS While Neymar Returns to Santos
While the two superstars no longer play together at the same club, both continue to be active at professional level. Messi has become a major attraction in Major League Soccer since his move to Inter Miami, helping the Herons win the 2025 MLS Cup, 2024 Supporters' Shield, and the 2023 Leagues Cup. His arrival has transformed Inter Miami into one of the most recognizable clubs in American soccer, drawing massive fan interest and elevating the league's global profile.
De Neymar Jr para Lionel Messi. Do Príncipe para o Gênio.
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) February 10, 2026
O Manto Sagrado, de valor imensurável, com o número eternizado pelo Rei. 10 de Neymar. 10 de Messi. 10 de Pelé. Um legado infinito na história do futebol.
¡Saludos desde Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi! 🇦🇷🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/4hkGJbp0j6
Neymar, meanwhile, returned to his boyhood club Santos in Brazil in 2024 after his stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Despite a challenging period plagued by injuries, the 34-year-old helped Santos avoid relegation in the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A season. Santos is now looking to improve on their 2026 campaign, though they have yet to secure a win in their opening two matches. Neymar, who recently signed a contract extension with the club, could be available for their upcoming game against Athletico Paranaense.
Could Neymar Follow Messi to MLS?
Although Neymar has committed his future to Santos with a contract extension, speculation continues about a potential move to Major League Soccer. Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel recently shared his thoughts on the possibility, stating: "If Neymar is fit, then I think it works, I really do because he's still a huge name in certain parts of the US. The trouble is if he's not fit and he's injured a lot, then it becomes a negative media-driven reality."
Friedel added: "I would assume, and these are smart guys, it would be a tiered contract based on performances and being fit. Having spent some time in Miami, before Messi came you wouldn't have really known that Miami had a team. From the time that he came, there are pink and black shirts everywhere. If Neymar came, he would add to that. He has that special talent that can really excite some American fans."
As for Messi, he is expected to feature in Inter Miami's first game of the new MLS season later this month against Los Angeles FC, continuing his impressive career in American soccer.
