Neymar dubs Lionel Messi ‘the best in history’ and names his toughest opponent

Neymar has hailed Lionel Messi as the best player ever and Kyle Walker as the toughest opponent he’s come up against.

Neymar and Messi have played together for the majority of the Brazilian’s time in European football, being teammates for four years at Barcelona before reuniting at PSG last season.

The two players have developed a strong connection both on and off the pitch in that time, becoming good friends and winning a multitude of trophies.

Given that, it’s no surprise to hear that the 30-year-old thinks the Argentine is the greatest player of all time.

“Playing alongside Leo was a unique experience and we became friends,” he told DAZN, discussing their first years together at Barcelona.

“Of those I’ve seen play, Messi is the best in history.”

Perhaps a more surprising answer was given when he was asked who the toughest defender he’d ever come up against was.

Playing at the top level of European football since 2013, the PSG man has gone head to head with all of the best defenders of the past decade, from Sergio Ramos to Virgil van Dijk.

The one he’s had the hardest time playing against though, was Manchester City man Walker.

“He’s fast, intelligent and strong,” he said of the England international.

The two players have gone up against one another on multiple occasions with PSG and Man City playing each other twice in each of the last Champions League campaigns. The English club prevailed in three of the four matches, all of which ended either 2-1 and 2-0.