Neymar's Father Reveals Lionel Messi Is Neymar Jr's Idol and the Reason He Joined Barcelona

Neymar's father says his son idolises Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and is greatly pleased to be playing alongside the Argentine legend at the Camp Nou.

Messi and Neymar form two-thirds of the most devastating attacking trio in world football, alongside Luis Suarez, and helped Luis Enrique's side to La Liga glory last season.

According to the Brazilian forward's father, Neymar Senior, the former Santos star counts himself a lucky man to be playing alongside a player he idolises.

"We all know who Messi is and what he means. He is the idol of my son and for him is a pleasure being at his side," hetold Cope viaFootball Espana.

"He is always happy for playing together and he is playing here for Messi.

"If Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo never existed probably Neymar never existed too; the same with Pele and Maradona, both inspired a lot of players."

Both Neymar and Messi were listed among 30 finalists for the 2016 Ballon d'Or and Neymar's father believes it is the latter who is likely to take home the prize for what would be a fifth time in his stunningly illustrious and decoratedcareer.

"Messi deserves the Ballon d'Or," he said.

Neymar last week signed a new deal at Barcelona keeping him at the Catalan giants until 2021. Barcelona currently sit third in La Liga, two points behind rivals Real Madrid and a point behind Sevilla.