Neymar's Heartfelt Surprise for Messi Leaves Football Fans in Tears
Neymar gifted customized Santos jerseys to his former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain colleague Lionel Messi and his children in a touching display before the 2026 MLS campaign begins.
The Brazilian superstar posted an image showing the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient alongside Thiago and Mateo Messi, displaying the legendary No. 10 shirts that Neymar dispatched from São Paulo. The 34-year-old also autographed the uniforms and included heartfelt notes.
Santos, where Neymar made his comeback last year following an unsuccessful stint with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia's top division, secured their star captain for the 2026 campaign despite widespread speculation linking him to Messi's Inter Miami.
The Brazilian club also shared the image on Instagram with the message: "From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius. The Sacred Jersey, of immeasurable worth, bearing the number made eternal by the King. 10 for Neymar. 10 for Messi. 10 for Pele. An endless legacy in football history.
"Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!"
Social Media Reacts to Neymar's Heartfelt Gesture
Social Media Responds to Neymar's Touching Display
When the image circulated across social platforms, supporters from Barcelona, PSG and even neutral observers responded to the enduring friendship between these two athletes, who captured 11 titles during their six combined seasons as teammates.
there's no better bromance in football than Messi and Neymar 🤍 https://t.co/c4mVKV8kY3 pic.twitter.com/QxphMtjgDi
That's pure football family energy ⚽
No headlines, no noise just respect, friendship, and a bond that goes way beyond the pitch. Moments like this are why the game means so much.
A gift from Neymar for Messi 🤩👕
Neymar sent Messi some Santos shirts, and Messi posed with Mateo & Thiago 😁
A friendship that will never end 🥹🇧🇷🤝🇦🇷
📸 @SantosFC pic.twitter.com/BBfWXS86f4
Wish this trio would've stayed together for longer. pic.twitter.com/aF4WZySWTw
The duo last separated following the 2022–23 campaign, when Neymar departed PSG to sign with Al Hilal. Messi, on the other hand, relocated to America to become Inter Miami and MLS's marquee attraction.
Could Neymar Ever Join Messi at Inter Miami in the Future?
Might Neymar Eventually Team Up with Messi at Inter Miami?
Inter Miami has demonstrated in recent years their willingness to acquire former Barcelona and Spanish league talents. The franchise recently claimed the MLS Cup with contributions from Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul.
Following Alba and Busquets' retirement in December, rumors swirled regarding Neymar's possible transfer to south Florida. The club had an available DP position entering this season, and the Brazilian was potentially seeking a new destination ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ultimately, Neymar chose to remain with Santos, while Inter Miami acquired former Monterrey star Germán Berterame as their third and final designated player.
It seems unlikely that a DP position will become available for Neymar moving forward, particularly while Messi remains with the squad. However, Inter Miami has previously navigated MLS's restrictive regulations, initially with Luis Suárez and later with De Paul.
Nevertheless, the Herons probably lost their opportunity to bring Messi and Neymar back together, although both athletes haven't dismissed the chance of eventually playing alongside each other again.