Messi has helped Neymar: Ronaldinho

Brazil legend Ronaldinho has praised Lionel Messi’s role in the development of Neymar at Barcelona.

Ronaldinho was a senior figure in the Barca team when Messi broke through during the 2004-05 campaign and guided him as he made his first steps in the team.

Messi, 29, has provided a similar service to Neymar, who is five years, his junior, and Ronaldinho is happy to see them succeed.

‘When Messi came in, he was a young kid and there was so much potential in him,’ the 36-year-old told reporters in Chennai where he is competing in a Futsal tournament alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Luis Figo.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed playing with him and we did share a great rapport on the field and off it too.

‘I am delighted to see that Messi is doing to Neymar what I did to him when he came to Barcelona. That is what senior players in the team are expected to do.’