Lionel Messi has admitted to former Barcelona team-mate Neymar that those left behind at Camp Nou are “still missing you”.
The Brazilian superstar completed a high-profile transfer away from Catalunya over the summer, with a record-breaking €222 million deal taking him to Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old has prospered in new surroundings, netting 17 times so far, while Barca have fared admirably at home and abroad in his absence.
There is, however, still a feeling of what could have been after Messi and Luis Suarez saw their fearsome ‘MSN’ partnership broken up.
In a Christmas message to Neymar published by SBT Online, Messi said: "Well, Ney... I think we said practically everything to each other when you left.
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"The truth is that here we are still missing you.
"We would like to keep sharing the mates (a South American hot drink) in the morning with Luis in the dressing room and many more things.
"Like always, I wish you the best wherever you are and I'm sure we will cross again on or off the pitch very soon.
"Take care of yourself."
Neymar is then presented with a present from Messi, much to his delight.
He adds: "Brother, thanks. For me, you are an idol and also a great friend. Big hugs."
Neymar joined Messi at Barcelona in 2013 and spent four years at Camp Nou.
In that time he netted 105 goals in 186 appearances, while also securing two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey triumphs, a Champions League crown and Club World Cup win.
