Neymar: Luis Suarez Opens Up on What Messi and Himself Told Al Hilal Star Ahead of His PSG Move

Neymar: Luis Suarez Opens Up on What Messi and Himself Told Al Hilal Star Ahead of His PSG Move

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at December 16, 2023 at 7:22 AM
In this article:
Luis Suárez logo
L.Suárez
Inter Miami CF logoFUruguay logo
Lionel Messi logo
L.Messi
Inter Miami CF logoFArgentina logo
Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior logo
Neymar
Al-Hilal Saudi FC logoFBrazil logo
Spanish La Liga logo
SPA La Liga
Spain
  • Luis Suarez has shed light on what he and Lionel Messi told Neymar ahead of the latter's move to PSG
  • Neymar caused shockwaves in global football when he swapped Barcelona for PSG for a world-record fee
  • The Brazilian's tenure in France was characterised by unfulfilled expectations mixed with nagging injuries

Luis Suarez has revealed the efforts he and Lionel Messi made in attempting to dissuade Neymar from leaving FC Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain.

The trio, known as MSN, formed an unparalleled attacking force during their time at the Catalan club, establishing themselves as a legendary front trio in global football.

Luis Suarez, Neymar, Lionel Messi, Barcelona, PSG, transfer
Neymar broke the 'MSN' trio with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi when he left Barcelona for PSG in 2017. Photos by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates and David Ramos
Source: Getty Images

The departure of Neymar from Catalonia to Paris in 2017, marking a world-record transfer, caused a significant stir in European football.

Despite playing a pivotal role in Barca's formidable attacking trio, the Brazilian star opted for a move away, now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal.

How good were the MSN?

The MSN partnership was a sensation during their brief three-year tenure at Camp Nou, securing two La Liga titles, a Champions League trophy, three Copa del Rey titles, and the Club World Cup.

Their blend of South American finesse, prolific goal-scoring, and relentless work ethic struck fear into defences across Spain, Europe, and the world at large.

From the 2014–15 season until Neymar's departure in 2016–17, their combined goal tally stood at an astounding 363 goals, per All Football.

Neymar breaks MSN bond

Neymar faced criticism for his choice to leave the Catalan giants for PSG, with rumours suggesting his desire to step out of Messi's shadow at Camp Nou as the main reason for his unexpected exit six seasons ago.

However, his move failed to yield the expected results, both personally and individually, as the Brazilian never came close to fulfilling his Ballon d'Or ambitions or inspiring PSG to win the elusive Champions League title.

Suarez, Messi warned Neymar against PSG move

Having moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Neymar's career trajectory has evoked a sense of missed opportunities, prompting Suarez to reveal that he had made efforts to convince him to stay at Barcelona.

“We were very good friends, and we knew if we fulfilled our roles on the pitch, we would make Barcelona great," as per an interview with Clank as cited by Football Espana.
“If one of us did not play well, the other two would make the difference. It was a spectacular relationship.
“We told him it was a mistake to go to PSG. If Ney wanted to be the best, he had to stay by Leo’s side. But, he made his decision, and it left a void in the team.”

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Messi, Neymar and Suarez team-up against Ronaldo

Still on Luis Suarez, Sports Brief highlighted the contributions of Lionel Messi and Neymar Junior during his memorable 2015-16 season, securing the European Golden Boot award ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Uruguay icon amassed an astounding 40 goals, outscoring Ronaldo by five en route to claiming the Pichichi prize in Spain and ultimately securing the European Golden Boot.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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