By Alek Klosok and Amanda Davies | Published January 7, 2025
Could the legendary trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar once again take the field together? For three unforgettable years, the trio, known as “MSN,” formed one of the most formidable attacking forces in football history, dominating at FC Barcelona. Together, they scored an astonishing 364 goals and delivered 173 assists, capturing a historic treble in their first season.
But as with all good things, the MSN era came to an end. Neymar’s record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 marked the shift, although Messi and Suárez continued to play together at Barcelona for a few more seasons before Suárez made a move to Atlético Madrid. Fast forward to 2024, and the footballing world saw a new chapter for the two, as they reunited at Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Neymar now plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, far from the European spotlight.
In a recent exclusive interview with CNN Sport following his receipt of the Player Career Award at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Neymar expressed his hope for the potential return of MSN. “Playing once more with Messi and Suárez would be fantastic,” Neymar shared, adding that the three remain close friends and still communicate regularly. “It would be nice to reunite this trio. I am happy in Al Hilal, I am happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows? Football is full of surprises,” he said, leaving the door open for a potential reunion.
However, as the footballing landscape evolves, Neymar has now made his home in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal, and the opportunity for such a reunion was not available when he left PSG. The American transfer window had already closed by then, and while the chance to reunite in Miami was off the table, Neymar expressed how the move to Saudi Arabia aligned with both his and his family’s needs. The offer from Al Hilal was compelling, making it a favorable solution for the Brazilian forward.
The World Cup Quest
While a reunion of MSN remains a tantalizing possibility, Neymar’s primary focus is now on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil has not lifted the prestigious trophy since 2002, and the squad is hungry to restore their dominance. Despite Neymar’s individual achievements, which include surpassing Pelé’s goal record for the national team, he has faced heartbreak in previous World Cups. In 2014, his tournament was cut short by injury in the quarterfinals, followed by a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany. In 2018, Brazil fell to Belgium in the quarterfinals, and in 2022, they were once again ousted by Croatia in a penalty shootout.
But with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Neymar remains optimistic. Though Brazil has faced difficulties in qualifying, sitting fifth in South American standings with only five wins from twelve matches, Neymar believes that under coach Dorival Júnior, the team can still make it to the finals in North America.
“We have a year or a year and a half to work hard and do the right things in order to make it to the World Cup,” Neymar said, expressing his confidence in the young players emerging in Brazil’s squad.
Neymar is determined to return to the national team fold after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus in his left knee during a qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. After spending much of the following year sidelined due to injuries, Neymar is now working hard to regain his fitness and catch up on lost time, with both his club and country in mind.
“I will do my best. I want to go. I will do all I can to be in the National Team,” he affirmed. “I know this is going to be my last World Cup, my last opportunity, and I will do all I can to play in it.”
Life in Saudi Arabia
In the summer of 2023, Neymar made headlines with his move to Al Hilal, joining other football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing football league. This move was part of Saudi Arabia’s larger strategy to enhance the country’s sports profile, particularly with its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Despite limited appearances due to injuries, Neymar has been impressed with the league’s progress. “Today, I believe the Saudi Pro League is superior to Ligue 1,” Neymar said, echoing sentiments shared by Ronaldo. While he acknowledges that Ligue 1 has its strengths, Neymar sees the Saudi Pro League as rapidly improving, with better organization, stronger teams, and increased global attention.
Neymar has embraced his time in Saudi Arabia, both professionally and personally. “Saudi Arabia has surprised me a lot. The people, the country, the cities, the culture. I think it’s a country that’s improving every day,” he remarked. And with the country’s successful hosting of major events and preparations for the World Cup in 2034, Neymar sees great potential for the future of football in the region.
Reflecting on a Career
As Neymar looks to the future, he also reflects on his journey. From his explosive start at Santos to his remarkable achievements in Europe and beyond, Neymar has had an illustrious career. However, he recognizes the challenges he has faced along the way.
“A lot of things have changed. I was a boy. Now, I’m a man. Now, I have a family. I’ve been learning a lot through the years, I’ve had a lot of setbacks, but I’ve been able to overcome them all,” Neymar said, demonstrating a maturity that comes with age and experience. “I’m extremely satisfied with my career, with what I’ve achieved, and where I’ve played.”
While Neymar has won numerous individual and team accolades, he acknowledges that no career is without regrets or what-ifs. However, he remains proud of everything he’s accomplished. “Naturally, you wonder what you would have done elsewhere, but that’s football. You can’t win all the championships. I’m extremely satisfied with everything I’ve done so far.”
The Future of MSN?
As Neymar eyes a potential return to the World Cup and continues his journey with Al Hilal, the prospect of reuniting with Messi and Suárez looms large. Although the trio may never share a pitch together in club football again, their bond, forged during Barcelona’s golden years, remains strong.
Whether or not they reunite at the 2026 World Cup to chase Brazil’s sixth title remains uncertain, but Neymar’s dreams are clear. With a final shot at World Cup glory, he is committed to giving his all for Brazil, his club, and his legacy.
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