Lionel Messi wants Neymar back at Barcelona | OneFootball

Lionel Messi is reportedly understood to be a one of the key players in Barcelona’s decision to pursue a return for Neymar.

The Brazilian’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 shocked the football world and caused ripples inside the Camp Nou dressing room.

It’s thought that the 26-year-old chose a move to Ligue 1 giants in a bid to move out of Messi’s shadow and try to become the best player in the world.

That though, hasn’t quite worked out.

Neymar wasn’t even included in the shortlist for Fifa’s The Best award earlier this year and is reportedly unsettled with life in the French capital and the level of competition domestically.

As such, he’s looking for a move back to Camp Nou and the Independent say that Messi is one of the key drivers in trying to make the move happen.

They claim that the Argentine forward would be more than willing to welcome Neymar back into the fold at the Blaugrana and rekindle their frightening partnership with Luis Suárez.

The Ballon d’Or winner has recently be given a captain’s role at Barça and is becoming acutely aware of his own legacy.

He believes that the club have underperformed in the Champions League in recent seasons, and sees Neymar coming back as perfect if they are to consistently get to the latter stages over the next few years.

Although Barcelona would love Neymar to return, any deal would be difficult considering the amount of money it would take to sign him from PSG.

The Qatar-backed club would want at least €222m for the Brazilian – the same fee they paid 18 months ago.