Argentina captain Lionel Messi has stated that he would love to face Barcelona team-mate and Brazil international Neymar in the World Cup final this summer.
Messi and Neymar linked up for the first time last season at Barcelona following the Brazilian forward’s move from Santos last summer and although things did not go according to plan at the Camp Nou last season, both have held a high admiration for each other.
And, Messi, who will captain Argentina in Brazil has said that he would love to meet his team-mate in the final next month.
“It would be a dream to get to the World Cup final, “Messi was quoted as saying in Catalan daily Sport.
“For the way things are going I think we can get there. Hopefully I can play Neymar in the final, but if not him, then any team.”
Messi has come under heavy criticism of late for the Argentine national team with some media outlets and fans of the country stating that he preferred to play for Barcelona.
But, the four-time Ballon d’Or winner has revealed his unhappiness at those claims that said that he was bitterly disappointed about the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
“It was beautiful as it was my first experience in the tournament, but after we went out they were very unfair to me, because that team played well.
“They said I wasn’t bitter about the defeat, which wasn’t true. We [Maradona and Messi] got along very well. He has a way of communicating things that is most special.
“Sometimes it’s easier to clear out the Coach than the players, who were truly responsible for getting knocked out.”