Why Neymar Left Barcelona for PSG: His Father Reveals Messi Connection

In 2017, Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) shook the football world. The €222 million move remains the highest transfer fee in football history and ended the famous ‘MSN’ attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar at Barcelona. While the motivations behind Neymar’s departure were long speculated, his father, Neymar Sr., recently shared the real reason behind the transfer—Lionel Messi.

Neymar’s Respect for Messi

Speaking on the Jota Jota Podcast, Neymar Sr. revealed that the decision to leave Barcelona wasn’t about money or dissatisfaction with the club. Instead, it was Neymar’s deep respect for Messi and his reluctance to overshadow the Argentine legend.

“Going to PSG was his decision,” Neymar Sr. explained. “At that time, Barca seemed to want Neymar to take Messi’s place as the team’s biggest star. He didn’t want that. Neymar decided to leave because he didn’t want to take Messi’s position. Until the last moment, I wanted him to stay at Barcelona, but it was his choice.”

Neymar’s Dream of Barcelona

Before joining Barcelona, Neymar had already shown his commitment to the club. Neymar Sr. revealed that Real Madrid offered three times the amount Barcelona did to sign his son, but Neymar prioritized his dream of playing alongside Messi and Suarez at Camp Nou.

“Signing for Barcelona was entirely his decision,” Neymar Sr. added. “He wanted to play with Messi and Suarez. That was his dream, and he followed it.”

Interestingly, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez later refuted claims of a higher offer, but the exact details of the competing bids remain unclear.

Life at PSG

Neymar’s move to PSG was intended to allow him to step out of Messi’s shadow and become the focal point of a team with its own ambitions. At PSG, Neymar achieved significant domestic success and even reunited with Messi when the Argentine joined the club in 2021. Despite winning league titles together, they were unable to secure the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.

What’s Next for Neymar?

Following a challenging stint in the Middle East marred by injuries, rumors suggest a potential reunion between Neymar and Messi could happen at Inter Miami. Whether this reunion materializes remains to be seen, but Neymar’s respect for Messi continues to shape his career choices.

Neymar’s move to PSG wasn’t just a transfer—it was a decision influenced by loyalty, respect, and a desire to define his own path. It underscores how the dynamics between two legends shaped one of the most iconic transfers in football history.