COPA America: Messi is the best player in the world but Brazil will trash Argentina__ Neymar

Following the awaited Saturday clash between Brazil and Argentina, Neymar has promised to set aside his friendship with Messi to win the COPA America.

Neymar and Messi will steal the headlines in South America as the two superstars of world football lock horns. And Brazil’s talisman admits his close bond with his former Barcelona teammate may be broken at Maracana.

While speaking ahead of a clash which will see Argentina’s captain going in search of a first senior honour with his country with reporters, Neymar: “Messi is, as I’ve always said, the best player I’ve ever seen play and he’s a great friend, but now we’re in a final, we’re rivals. I want to win and I really want to win this title, which would be my first Copa America.

“Messi has been looking for his first title with the national team for many years, and every time we [Brazil] are not present at the tournament, I cheered for him. That’s what I’ve been cheering for in the 2014 World Cup final when he faced Germany.

“Now Brazil is in the dispute, so our friendship is on the line. The respect between us is still great but only one can win.

“When you’re friends with someone, it’s hard to forget the friendship you have – but for example when you play video games with a friend, you want to beat him anyway. It’ll be the same thing on Saturday.”

The 29-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward has said on social media: “I’m Brazilian with a lot of pride, with a lot of love. My dream was always to be in the Brazilian national team and hear the fans singing. I’ve never supported or will support against anything Brazil is competing for, whatever the sport or modelling contest.”