TheCable

Lionel Messi says Neymar was hugely influential in his decision to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The duo had been teammates at FC Barcelona, where they developed a friendship and a formidable partnership until PSG snatched up the Brazilian star in 2017 for a world record transfer fee of €222 million.

On Tuesday, after a summer of uncertainty, Messi also penned a two-year deal with the Ligue one side following a contractual talk collapse with Barcelona.

Even before the deal was confirmed, Neymar had taken to his social media page to announce the reunion.

“Back together,” read the caption of an old picture of the duo in a gleeful embrace while celebrating a goal for Barcelona.

During the press briefing at his unveiling on Wednesday, Messi spoke about Neymar’s role in his move to Parc des Princes.

“Di Maria, Parades, I know all of the teammates in the dressing room, we had contact, and Neymar, of course, did a lot and was important in my decision,” he said.

The six-times Ballon D’or winner added that his goals align with that of the French giant, making the decision easier.

“It was very complicated to exit Barcelona without knowing where I was going to go. Barcelona is my home. I have been there since I was a kid,” he said

“They knew I would arrive in a strong team, a team aiming to win the Champions League. I love to win. I want to have important goals. I know my goals and PSG’s goals are the same, and want to be bigger and bigger.

“I don’t know if we will face Barcelona. It would be very nice to go back to Barcelona. I hope it would be with fans given the pandemic. It would be very strange to play there in another shirt, but it can happen, and we will see.”