× Language:

Fifa world

Messi backs Neymar for World Cup return

Image Source: IANS

Advertisement

Messi Backs Neymar For World Cup Return

By IANS News May 09, 2026 • 09:16 AM View: 232

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi believes Neymar still belongs among football's elite and said he hopes the Brazil forward returns in time for next month's FIFA World Cup.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has not played for his country since October 2023, when he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay.

His injury problems have continued since returning to boyhood club Santos, limiting him to 12 appearances across all competitions this year after he played 28 matches in 2025.

TAGS World Cup Buenos Aires Lionel Messi FIFA World Cup Lo Del Pollo Paris Saint Copa America

Advertisement

Related Cricket News on Fifa world

Alphonso Davies Ruled Out For Weeks With Hamstring Injury, Confirms Bayern Munich

UEFA Champions League: German football giant Bayern Munich have suffered another injury setback after star full-back Alphonso Davies was ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury sustained during ...

By IANS News

4 weeks ago
Spain Confirms Warm-up Against Iraq For FIFA World Cup 2026 Preparation

FIFA World Cup: The Spanish football federation has confirmed on Saturday that the team will play an extra warm-up match against Iraq ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Iran Will Participate In World Cup, Confirms Football Chief Infantino, Despite Their Absence From FIFA Congress

FIFA President Infantino: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will be participating in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting with its neighbours Mexico ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
FIFA Awards 2029 U-20 World Cup Hosting Rights to Georgia and Armenia

FIFA names Georgia and Armenia as co-hosts of the 2029 U-20 World Cup, marking their first time hosting a global tournament and boosting football development in the region. ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
$FIFA World Cup 2026: Algeria's Luca Zidane doubtful after jaw fracture$
FIFA World Cup 2026: Algeria's Luca Zidane Doubtful After Jaw Fracture

FIFA World Cup: African nation Algeria has been dealt a major blow ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 as its star goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, has fractured his jaw ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
FIFA World Cup 2026: 'Modric Will Do Everything To Recover In Time,' Says Croatia Coach Dalic

FIFA World Cup: Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has backed captain Luka Modric to recover in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 after the veteran midfielder recently underwent ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Brazil's Militao FIFA World Cup Hopes End After Hamstring Operation

Militao FIFA World Cup: Eder Militao has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the Real Madrid defender was advised to undergo surgery for a hamstring injury ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Football: Real Madrid Suffer Injury Blow As Guler, Militao Ruled Out For Season

Real Madrid Medical Services: Spanish football giant Real Madrid suffered a major setback ahead of the business end of the season, with midfielder Arda Guler and defender Eder Militao ruled ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Barcelona's Yamal To Miss Rest Of Season Due To Injury, Eyes FIFA World Cup Comeback

FIFA World Cup: Spanish giants FC Barcelona have confirmed that teenage winger Lamine Yamal will miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury, though he is expected ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Trump Envoy Asks FIFA To Replace Iran With Italy At World Cup: Report

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: A special envoy to US President Donald Trump has reportedly asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, starting from June ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Injury Sidelines Liverpool’s Hugo For FIFA World Cup And Remainder Of Season

FIFA World Cup: English football club Liverpool have been dealt a major blow as their premier striker Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out of the rest of the season due ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
New Zealand Women Edge Past PNG To Seal World Cup Berth

Papua New Guinea: A solitary second-half strike ensured the New Zealand women's football team booked their place at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 with a hard-fought 1-0 win over ...

By IANS News

1 month ago
Wales Captain And Ex-Arsenal Midfielder Aaron Ramsey Announces Retirement

European Football Associations: Former Arsenal midfielder and Wales football team captain Aaron Ramsey has decided to bring down curtains on his professional football career as the country's legendary player announced ...

By IANS News

2 months ago
Football: Borussia Dortmund In Unrest After Schlotterbeck's Announcement

FIFA World Cup: Tensions are rising at Borussia Dortmund after center-back Nico Schlotterbeck said a contract extension sought by the club remains far from being agreed. ...

By IANS News

2 months ago