# Neymar on Messi: Playing against him is bad

2026-08-08T20:46:31+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Neymar has said playing against Lionel Messi is not good, it is bad. The Brazilian forward made the remark to Globo's SporTV in July 2015 while discussing Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign. He was then serving a ban from that year's Copa América and would return for the November match against Argentina, putting him against Messi. The quote is a lighthearted admission of the difficulty Messi's talent creates for opponents. Neymar added that Messi is great but facing him is bad because it forces you to be better. He has also called it impossible to beat Messi and a pleasure to test himself against the best. The quote captures how elite athletes can compete fiercely while respecting a rival's ability.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/quote-of-the-day-by-neymar-messi-is-a-great-player-playing-against-him-is-not-good-it-is-a-candid-lesson-that-teaches-about-competition-pressure-and-respect/articleshow/133057605.cms>

Tags: football, Messi, Neymar, rivalry, sports quotes
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