Neymar: Barca and Messi are great

Santos star Neymar said he is an avid fan of Barcelona and Lionel Messi.

The 19-year-old sensation is touted as one of the hottest prospects in South America, and his actions have caught the eye of clubs such as Barca and Real Madrid.

After helping Santos win the Copa Libertadores, Neymar has earned a potential match against Barca in the FIFA Club World Cup final in December, and the Brazil international hailed the Camp Nou side’s quality.

“Who does not admire Barcelona?” he asked in an interview with FIFA.com.

“They sowed the seeds a long time back and now they are reaping the reward.”

“They deserve all the praise they get for the joy they have given to the fans and to all the people who like to see good football, which includes me.”

Neymar, who is the only South America-based player to make the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Ballon d’Or award, has frequently drawn comparisons with Messi, but he stressed he is not yet at the same level as the Argentine ace.

“I have always said that I still have a lot to learn,” Neymar said.

“Messi is a guy who has already made history and will achieve a lot more yet.”

“I am just starting out and I have a lot to do to get to his level.”