Now that Neymar is a Barcelona player, the football world is excited to see how he will play alongside the Catalan club’s undisputed leading player, Lionel Messi.
Neymar has been touted as the most credible challenger to Messi’s throne as the king of football, and for that reason it would almost have made dramatic sense for him to join Real Madrid, who did fail in last-minute bid to hijack his transfer from Santos.
Already some pundits have suggested that there is no space for two ‘captains’ in the Barca line-up, and that ultimately Messi and Neymar are destined for an ego-driven slugfest to claim the Camp Nou limelight.
However, upon his revelation as an official Barca player, 21-year-old Neymar has sought to dispel the suggestion that he is at the club to dethrone La Pulga Atomica.
He may represent almost 20 brands on billboards and commercials across South America, star in popular soap operas and rate as the most marketable athlete on the planet, but Neymar insists he will be happy to play second fiddle to Messi.
In fact, Neymar says that he will take joy in helping Messi to retain his status as the best player in the world.
"Barca is more than a club and a great team and I want to contribute to Messi staying the best for many years," Neymar said in his first press conference as a Barca player.
"It is a great day for me and my family," he added later.
"Having the chance to play with so many important players whom I have admired since I was a child is something I have to thank god for.
"I have never been concerned about winning the Ballon d'Or or being the best player in the world.
"The best player is already here and that's Messi. And now I can see him from close up and help him."