The bond between Neymar Jr. and Lionel Messi is one of the most cherished friendships in the world of football, and their exchange before the 2021 Copa America final is a testament to the depth of their connection. Neymar recently shared this intimate moment with fans, recalling that just before the match, he and Messi had an emotional conversation about their friendship and mutual respect. Neymar, representing Brazil, approached Messi with an acknowledgment of the unique challenges Messi had faced in his career, particularly in his quest for an international trophy. “You are my friend before anything,” Neymar told him. “You really had to endure being in the final. If you win, you deserve it.” Messi’s response was equally heartfelt: “You’re my friend too. If I win, you won’t be too sad. I’ll be happy for you.”

This simple, heartfelt exchange between two rivals on the field but friends off it is a rare glimpse into the spirit of sportsmanship that exists between top athletes. Their friendship, which blossomed during their time as teammates at Barcelona, grew beyond professional respect and became a deep, supportive bond. At Barcelona, Neymar and Messi, alongside Luis Suárez, formed the famed MSN trio, which dominated European football with a record-breaking goal-scoring partnership. Off the field, Neymar and Messi shared countless moments of laughter and encouragement, often referring to each other as “brothers.” This friendship continued even after Neymar’s departure from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, where the two kept in close touch, sharing in each other’s successes and challenges.

As they faced off in the Copa America final, Neymar and Messi both carried the weight of their countries’ expectations. For Neymar, winning Copa America on home soil was a chance to bring glory to Brazil, a country with a deep and historic passion for football. For Messi, it was an opportunity to win his first major international trophy with Argentina, a goal that had eluded him despite his illustrious career. Messi had reached four finals with Argentina before, including the 2014 World Cup final and three Copa America finals, but victory had slipped through his fingers each time. These near-misses led to intense scrutiny and pressure on Messi, who had often expressed how much it would mean to win a trophy for Argentina.

As the two friends took the field, the intensity of the match was palpable.

Argentina took an early lead with a goal from Ángel Di María, and despite Brazil’s relentless attacks, they were unable to equalize. When the final whistle blew, Argentina emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, marking Messi’s long-awaited triumph on the international stage. Neymar, visibly emotional, was seen embracing Messi in a tearful yet joyful moment after the game, congratulating his friend on his hard-earned victory. Messi’s joy was evident as he celebrated with his teammates, but he took a moment to comfort Neymar, recognizing the heartache his friend must have felt.

This moment resonated with fans around the world, as Neymar’s grace in defeat and Messi’s empathy in victory displayed the beauty of true friendship. Neymar, despite his disappointment, honored Messi’s victory, and Messi, in turn, acknowledged Neymar’s pain, showing that their bond was bigger than the outcome of any match. Neymar later stated that he felt a deep sense of pride for Messi, knowing the struggles and sacrifices his friend had endured to reach this milestone.

Their exchange before the match and their embrace afterward are reminders that the essence of sports goes beyond competition; it builds connections that transcend wins and losses. Neymar and Messi’s friendship exemplifies how rivalry can coexist with respect, and how sports can bring people together even in moments of intense personal stakes.

Messi’s triumph in the Copa America was a pivotal moment in his career, fulfilling his long-held dream of winning an international title with Argentina and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history. For Neymar, despite the heartbreak of defeat, it was a moment to stand by his friend and recognize his achievement. This bond between Messi and Neymar continues to inspire fans worldwide, showing how friendship, respect, and empathy are the true victories in sports. Their journey from Barcelona teammates to Copa America rivals, and now back to teammates at Paris Saint-Germain, has woven a story that reflects the best qualities of sportsmanship and human connection.