Neymar scored a brace for Paris Saint-Germain yesterday to brighten their hopes of progressing into the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
The Brazilian star scored in the sixth minute at Old Trafford and then sealed the match in second-half stoppage time as the Ligue 1 side stunned Manchester United 3 – 1 to go top of a keenly contested Group H.
However, Neymar disclosed after the game his desire to team up with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi next season at the French club.
The duo played together at Barcelona for four seasons between 2013 and 2017, posing constant threats in the forward line to opposition defence.
The triple combo alongside Luis Suarez would go on to win two La Liga, one Champions League and three Copa del Rey titles for the Blaugrana’s.
Neymar left Barca in the summer of 2017, however, joining PSG in a world-record €222 million transfer.
Meanwhile, there is a possibility the two would link up as Messi’s future with Barca proves a major doubt.
The Argentine had tendered a request to leave Camp Nou this summer but, the club had vowed he would have to battle them in court over the validity of his release clause.
But the Argentine’s deal with Barcelona will expire at the end of the current season, meaning he could be in the final months of his legendary run with the Blaugrana.
“What I want the most is to enjoy playing with him again,” Neymar told ESPN after scoring twice against United.
When asked where that reunion would occur, Neymar said with a laugh: “He can play in my role, it wouldn’t be a problem with me!”
He added: “For sure, next year we have to do it.”
Speaking to Eleven Sports PT after the match, Neymar insisted that he hasn’t even considered the possibility of finishing third in the group and playing in the Europa League.
“I’ve never seen myself knocked out of the Champion’s League or playing the Europa League,” Neymar said. “It never went through my head and it won’t.
“With these difficulties, I managed to grow up, to take responsibility. I did not come here to play the Europa League.”
PSG are on nine points, as are Man Utd and RB Leipzig, heading into the final matchday of the group next week.
But Neymar’s side only need a draw against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday to progress into the knockout phase, which would leave United and Leipzig to fight for one remaining spot in the last 16.
