Brazilian forward Neymar has taken to Instagram to wish his former teammate on his birthday.
Lionel Messi, one of the best footballers the sport has ever seen, celebrates his 31st birthday today. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi is currently in Russia, where he is leading the Argentina side in the World Cup.
Even when Argentina has failed to win their first two games of the World Cup, Messi’s status as one of the footballing greats remains unchallenged. The Argentine footballer joined FC Barcelona in 2001, and made his professional debut for the club four years later, in 2005.
In 637 appearances for FC Barcelona, Messi has scored 552 goals for the club. For Argentina, he scored 64 goals in 126 appearances. Lionel Messi has also won five Ballon d’Or trophies, which is the highest individual trophy in football. His rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest rivalries in the sporting world.
As Messi celebrates his 31st birthday, many fans and footballing greats alike have taken to social media to wish the Argentine star. One of them was Brazilian forward and Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Neymar.
Neymar’s wish –
Neymar signed for FC Barcelona in 2013, and spent four seasons with the club. While at the club, he, along with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, formed a formidable attacking trio, more commonly known as ‘MSN’.
Neymar and Messi were central to Barcelona’s two league titles during his time at the club. The duo also won a Champions League title with Barcelona in 2015.
While Neymar left the club for Paris Saint Germain last summer, it seems his transfer had a little impact on his friendship with Messi. Today, on Messi’s birthday, Neymar posted his birthday wish on Instagram.
“Happy birthday brother!!! Congratulations, I wish you the best always,” Neymar wrote.
