Neymar's father said his son is playing for Spanish champion Barcelona because of five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Since moving to Camp Nou in 2013, Neymar has struck a lethal combination with Messi, helping Barca to two La Liga titles and Champions League glory in 2014-15 among other trophies. And Messi - regarded as arguably the greatest player to play the game - continues to inspire Neymar, according to the 24-year-old Brazil international's father.
"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," he told Spanish radio station Cope.