Messi backs Neymar to succeed at Barca

Lionel Messi is excited about Neymar joining Barcelona, saying the Brazilian will be ‘great’ for the La Liga champions.

Neymar and Messi are widely considered two of the most exciting players in the game and will play together at Barcelona next season, prompting fans around the world to salivate at the prospect.

Messi, the four-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner, said Neymar, who has joined Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos, is guaranteed to make the Catalan side better in the 2013/14 La Liga season.

“Neymar’s arrival is great for us and can only make us a better team,” Messi said.

“He’s a great player and he’ll give us a lot and I look forward to playing with him.

“Hopefully he’ll keep doing at Barca what he’s shown so far in Brazil.”

Looking ahead to next year’s World Cup, Messi has reminded his Argentine team-mates they need to keep improving if they are to challenge for the title at Brazil 2014.

Argentina lead South America’s World Cup qualifying standings with 26 points but although they look just about certain to play in Brazil next year, Messi has conceded his national team are not ready yet, but said head coach Alejandro Sabella has them on the right track.

“It would be a dream for all Argentineans to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup,” Messi said.

“There is still a year to go until the competition and we need to keep working and improving.

“We are on the right track in qualifying and are playing well.

“We still have plenty of time but we also have things we need to improve.”