The current debate about who’s the best footballer usually leads to the Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi debate, but for Brazilian legend Pele, the discussion should include Neymar Jr.
While speaking at an event celebrating the centennial anniversary of Brazilian club Santos FC, Pele put out a hot take that Messi isn’t ahead of Neymar as the best player; in fact, the 30-year-old is ahead of his Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
“There’s always this Diego Maradona comparison, saying that he’s better than Pele,” the Brazilian legend said (h/t talkSPORT). “Now some are saying that Messi is better than Pele. Well, he has to be better than Neymar first, which he isn’t yet. He has more experience.”
Neymar can solidify his name as one of the best players in the world at the 2022 FIFA World Cup if he can lead Brazil to end their 20-year drought. In addition, the trophy would allow for the PSG star to have an honor that neither of those two players would have.
Brazil is off to a good start winning their first matchup 2-0 against Serbia on Thursday; meanwhile, Argentina lost 2-1 to Saudi Arabia and now find themselves in a must-win position when they face-off versus Mexico.