With it recently being said that superstar Neymar could sign for Real Madrid instead FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi has reportedly made efforts to stop his former colleague from joining Los Blancos.
Zidane Reacts To Neymar Rumours
After making it clear he wants to quit Paris Saint-Germain in this transfer window, the 27-year-old is said to be closer than ever to leaving the French champions.
In the past weekend, reports in Spain suggested that Neymar could be on his way to Zinedine Zidane's Real, despite it previously being thought that he only wants to return to Barca.
It is now been claimed that his former club's chiefs are set to meet with PSG executives to discuss his potential return, with the Blaugrana willing to offer Philippe Coutinho in exchange.
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According to Spanish publication Marca, Messi gave the forward a call to talk him out of joining 13-time UEFA Champions League winners Real, urging him to return to the Camp Nou instead.
On Monday, Neymar's lawyers were spotted at Barca's offices, a day after the Brazilian was left out of PSG's squad for their first Ligue 1 match of the season.
While Real are reportedly genuinely interested in the player, they believe they are being used to pressure their LaLiga rivals into launching an official bid for his services.
Neymar returning to Barcelona would see him reunite with Luis Suarez and Messi, while he would also team up with new signing Antoine Griezmann.
Zidane Reacts To Neymar Rumours
The Brazilian has remained close with his former colleagues since his exit in 2017, with Messi recently saying he is still in a WhatsApp group with the PSG star and Suarez.
Do you think Barca would be even more successful if Neymar returned? Let us know in the comments section below.
