Neymar Sends Signed Jerseys to Lionel Messi and His Sons

The two football stars celebrate their enduring friendship and shared legacy tied to the iconic number 10 jersey.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Neymar recently sent signed No.10 shirts to Lionel Messi and his three sons, celebrating their close friendship and shared legacy tied to that iconic number. The two football stars first connected while playing together at Barcelona during the 2010s, forging a powerful partnership that delivered multiple trophies and lasting memories. Their bond has endured through club changes and years apart, underpinned by mutual respect and admiration.

Why it matters

The gesture highlights the meaningful connection between the two football icons and their shared association with the number 10 shirt, which is steeped in history and links legendary figures such as Pelé. This act of camaraderie may serve to nurture the bond between Messi and Neymar amid changing career paths and leagues, keeping open the possibility of future collaboration, whether on or off the pitch.

The details

During their time at Barcelona, Messi and Neymar were integral parts of a formidable attacking trio known as 'MSN' alongside Luis Suarez. Together, they secured eight major trophies for the Catalan club, including a memorable treble in the 2014-15 season. Neymar departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, but Messi later reunited with him in Paris in 2021 after leaving Barcelona as a free agent. Both players eventually left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, with Messi joining Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and Neymar moving to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia before returning to his boyhood club, Santos, in Brazil.

  • Neymar recently sent the signed jerseys to Messi and his sons.
  • Messi and Neymar first connected while playing together at Barcelona during the 2010s.
  • Neymar departed Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
  • Messi later reunited with Neymar in Paris in 2021 after leaving Barcelona.
  • Both players eventually left Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

The players

Lionel Messi

An Argentine professional footballer who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Neymar

A Brazilian professional footballer who currently plays for Santos in Brazil's Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A.

Luis Suarez

A Uruguayan professional footballer who was part of the formidable 'MSN' attacking trio with Messi and Neymar at Barcelona.

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What they’re saying

“If Neymar is fit, then I think it works, I really do because he's still a huge name in certain parts of the US. The trouble is if he's not fit and he's injured a lot, then it becomes a negative media-driven reality. I can understand arguments on both sides for sure.”

— Brad Friedel, Former Premier League goalkeeper (Interview)

“I would assume, and these are smart guys, it would be a tiered contract based on performances and being fit. Having spent some time in Miami, before Messi came you wouldn't have really known that Miami had a team. From the time that he came, there are pink and black shirts everywhere. If Neymar came, it would add to that.”

— Brad Friedel, Former Premier League goalkeeper (Interview)

What’s next

Messi is expected to participate in Inter Miami's opening game of the new MLS season against Los Angeles FC later in the month. Neymar's status and fitness will be crucial factors if he considers joining Messi in MLS, which could have significant implications for the league's popularity and growth in North America.

The takeaway

The ongoing camaraderie between Messi and Neymar, highlighted by the thoughtful gift of signed jerseys, symbolizes more than just personal friendship; it reflects a shared football legacy intertwined with club loyalties and cultural heritage. This gesture may serve to nurture the bond between the two players amid changing career paths and leagues, keeping open the possibility of future collaboration, whether on or off the pitch.