Neymar Opens Up on Conversation With Messi Ahead of 2022 World Cup Final

• Lionel Messi captained Argentina to 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar
• Brazil was tipped as one of the favourites but fell short to Croatia on penalties in the quarter-final
• Neymar has revealed what he told former club teammate Messi ahead of the final against France

Neymar Jr is one of Lionel Messi's biggest fans, and he doesn't hide it, as proved by his recent interview where he revealed what he told his former club teammate ahead of the final against France.

Messi captained Argentina to victory in Qatar, picking up the final piece of silverware left in his career and was named the tournament's best player. He missed out on the golden boot narrowly to Kylian Mbappe.

Brazil were the biggest favourites going into the tournament as they boast a packed squad of talents, but Croatia ousted the Samba boys in the quarter-final, who in turn were quickly dispatched in the semi-final by Argentina.

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Neymar's message to Messi

France were the odds pick in the final, and it was understandable because they were defending champions and had an easier run, but Neymar wanted it more for Messi after he had fallen short.

“I spoke to Messi before the World Cup final, and I told him: ‘I didn't get there, but since you got there, win the World Cup.’ I told him that I was supporting him. It had to end in a golden way. I was very happy, football has been happy since that victory,” he told CazeTVOficial.

The former Barcelona forward scored twice in the final, but the game had to be decided by penalties after Randal Kolo Muani blew a chance to win it in the last minute, forcing a brilliant save from Emi Martinez.

It was not the first time the Paris Saint-Germain attacker has proven he puts Messi ahead. The Argentine won his first international trophy, the 2021 Copa America, at Brazil's expense. The 31-year-old was spotted laughing in the dressing room despite having teary eyes on the pitch, as reported by Sun Sport.

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Messi’s six moments in Qatar

Sports Brief previously reported Messi’s six unforgettable World Cup moments as revealed by the former Barcelona player in celebration of the six months anniversary of the triumph.

The 36-year-old recapped some of the best moments in Qatar, which include his incredible assist for Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands and his opening goal against Mexico.