Neymar and Santos have presented Lionel Messi and his sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, with signed No.10 jerseys, underlining the iconic shirt number both players are known for. The two superstars previously played side by side at Barcelona before reuniting at Paris Saint-Germain, and they have maintained a close friendship ever since. A social media post from Santos celebrated Messi and Neymar while also paying tribute to Brazilian legend Pelé.
Messi and Neymar’s Barcelona partnership in the 2010s
Messi and Neymar built a strong bond during their years at Barcelona. Together, they collected eight trophies with the Spanish club, including the famous Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey treble in the unforgettable 2014-15 season. Alongside Luis Suarez, they formed the feared ‘MSN’ attacking trio. Their time together paused in 2017 when Neymar completed a record-breaking transfer to PSG, although Messi later followed him to Paris after leaving Barcelona on a free transfer in 2021.
Both players departed France in 2023, with Messi moving to MLS side Inter Miami and Neymar signing for Al-Hilal in a stint disrupted heavily by injuries. The 34-year-old has since returned to his boyhood club Santos in Brazil and played a role in helping them escape relegation in the 2025 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A campaign.
Santos and Neymar send a special present to Messi
Their enduring friendship was highlighted again when Neymar sent three Santos shirts to Messi and his three children, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. The gesture quickly gained widespread attention on social media.
Santos’ message read: “From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius.
“The sacred shirt, priceless in value, with the number made eternal by the King. 10 for Neymar. 10 for Messi. 10 for Pelé. A limitless legacy in football history.
“Warm greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!”
Messi shining at Inter Miami while Neymar returns to Santos
Although they are no longer teammates, both players remain active at club level. Messi has boosted MLS popularity since joining Inter Miami, leading the club to the 2025 MLS Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and the 2023 Leagues Cup. Neymar, meanwhile, returned to Santos during a difficult period when the club was battling relegation in Brazil’s top division.
Santos eventually secured survival and will aim for a more stable 2026 campaign, despite failing to win either of their opening two league matches. Neymar has yet to feature due to fitness issues but could make his return in their upcoming clash with Athletico Paranaense on Thursday night.
Could Neymar reunite with Messi in MLS?
Despite recently extending his contract with Santos, Neymar has been linked with a possible switch to Major League Soccer.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel shared his thoughts with GOAL, saying: “If Neymar is healthy, I think it could work because he is still a massive name in parts of the US. The problem comes if he struggles with injuries, as that can turn into negative publicity. I see both sides of the debate.
“I would expect any deal to be performance-based and linked to his fitness. Before Messi arrived, you hardly noticed Inter Miami around the city. Now you see their colors everywhere. Neymar joining would only add to that.
“It’s a difficult decision because of his injury history, but he has the kind of talent that can really excite American fans. He can do things very few players can. I’d say I’m 55 percent in favor and 45 percent against.”
Messi, meanwhile, is expected to appear in Inter Miami’s opening match of the new MLS season later this month against Los Angeles FC.
