For three incredible seasons, FC Barcelona’s front line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar—dubbed “MSN”—redefined club football. Together, they achieved unprecedented success, amassing 364 goals and 173 assists, including an unforgettable treble in their first season as a trio. Their partnership became the stuff of legend, cementing their place as one of the most potent attacking forces in football history.
However, Neymar’s 2017 move to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking fee signaled the end of that remarkable era. Messi and Suárez continued to play together for a few more years until Suárez moved to Atlético Madrid. Yet, the bond remained strong, with both players reuniting in 2024 at Inter Miami, while Neymar now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal.
In an exclusive interview with CNN Sport, Neymar hinted at the possibility of rekindling this dynamic trio in the future. “Playing again with Messi and Suárez would be incredible,” he shared. “They are my friends, and we still stay in touch. It would be exciting to bring that partnership back. I’m very happy at Al Hilal and in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises.”
Neymar was quick to acknowledge that the timing didn’t work out for him to join Messi and Suárez in the United States when the transfer window closed in 2023. Nevertheless, he is content with his move to Saudi Arabia, a decision that he believes was the best for both him and his family.
Meanwhile, Suárez has agreed to a one-year extension with Inter Miami, ensuring he will continue playing alongside Messi in the U.S. for at least another year. Neymar, under contract with Al Hilal until the summer of 2025, could possibly reunite with his former teammates on U.S. soil for the 2026 World Cup, with all three players likely to pursue the biggest honor in world football.
For Neymar, the World Cup remains a dream that’s eluded him. Despite successes such as winning the Confederations Cup and Olympic gold, the World Cup has remained just out of reach. His journey has been filled with heartbreak: a severe injury during Brazil’s 2014 World Cup run, a loss to Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2018 tournament, and an agonizing penalty shootout defeat to Croatia in 2022.
With Brazil currently struggling to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament, sitting in fifth place in South American qualifiers, Neymar remains confident. “I have a lot of faith in the team,” he said, referring to the young talents emerging in Brazil’s squad. “We have a year to get things right and make it to the World Cup. We can achieve something special.”
After suffering a serious knee injury in October 2023 that sidelined him for months, Neymar is eager to make up for lost time. Despite missing the first half of the 2024 season, he is determined to get back into top form, both for his club and for Brazil. “This will be my last World Cup, my last shot,” he said. “I will do everything I can to make it.”
Neymar’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 follows in the footsteps of other global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who joined rival clubs in the country. This shift is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious strategy to invest heavily in football, and Neymar is impressed by how quickly the Saudi Pro League has grown. He believes that, as of today, the league is stronger than France’s Ligue 1.
“The level of competition here is rising fast,” he said. “Saudi Arabia has surprised me in a good way. The culture, the people, the cities—everything is growing. And with the World Cup coming here in 2034, it’s an exciting time for football in this country.”
Reflecting on his career, Neymar shared how much he’s changed over the years. “I was a boy when I first started; today, I’m a man. I have a family, children. Over the years, I’ve gone through so many challenges, but I’ve managed to overcome them. I’ve achieved more than I could’ve imagined,” he said. “I’m proud of my career, of the things I’ve accomplished, and the places I’ve played. You can always think of what could’ve been, but in the end, I’m very happy with everything I’ve achieved so far.”
With a potential World Cup appearance, a Club World Cup on the horizon, and a dominant Al Hilal team, Neymar has plenty to look forward to in the final chapters of his illustrious career.