Could Neymar's Arrival Have a Negative Impact on Lionel Messi at Barcelona?

It is the striking partnership the entire world wants to see in action: Lionel Messi, Argentina captain and four-time Ballon d'Or winner, alongside Brazilian wonderkid Neymar, star of the Confederations Cup and poster boy for the upcoming World Cup in his home nation. 

For 2013-14, Barcelona will have the pleasure of fielding two of the most talented stars on the planet. But is it a match made in heaven, or could the pairing work to the detriment of the little Argentine who has had no equal on the pitch for the last few seasons? 

Of course, any big-money transfer is a calculated gamble. Barcelona were convinced to pay Santos, as confirmed by their own Twitter account, a mammoth €57 million for the privilege of taking their brightest talent away from Sao Paulo. 

A virtuoso display against Spain in the recent Confederations Cup final proved beyond doubt he has what it takes to mix with Europe's best, always a concern for players entering from the South American leagues. The fact he did it against the likes of Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas and Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid stalwarts at the back, will be an added bonus for coach Tito Vilanova. 

At the Camp Nou, though, things will be different. As Santos' golden boy and to a lesser extent with the Brazil team, tactics are set up to benefit the 21-year-old forward. The ball moves forward quickly and out wide, leaving Neymar with space on the flank to torture his marker and move towards goal. This is the antithesis of Barcelona's philosophy. 

The Blaugrana attacking spine of Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, ably supported by a team around them well -versed in keeping the ball and passing with patience, do not naturally play the type of balls that Neymar has thrived on since bursting onto the scene. Lio, for one, has shown himself uncomfortable in the past integrating into a system that values directness and power over subtlety. 

While still a phenomenal asset, arguably much of the Argentina stars teething problems in the national team could be reduced down to this one fact. The exit of Jose Pekerman and his one-touch passing led to a succession of more limited, rustic coaches, and their insistence on moving the ball quickly was to the direct detriment of their most skillful player. 

If Neymar's entrance leads to a rethink of the classic Barcelona style of playing—not as far-fetched as it may seem at first, given Barcelona's abject failure to overcome a Bayern Munich team that was faster, fitter and stronger over two legs of the Champions League semi-final—that could raise questions over the natural place of their Rosario-born linchpin in the team. 

To question Barca's tactics, and as an extension of Messi's place within them, however, is to misunderstand the essence of the side built by Pep Guardiola and continued by his assistant. New signings are expected to fit into the system, not expect the team to revolve around them. 

Even megastars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who lasted just one season at Camp Nou, can attest to the fact that in Catalunya it is the team, not the individual that rules the roost. 

Moreover, Neymar may well find that life in Barcelona fits him like a glove. The Brazilian will most likely slot in on the left side of the attacking trident, exactly where he found himself to such devastating effect in the Confederations Cup. 

With Messi alongside him, and Xavi and Iniesta pulling the strings in midfield, the youngster should be more effective than ever. 

With the arrival of Neymar, Messi may find himself sharing the spotlight a little more than he is accustomed in Camp Nou. But if anything, the humble No. 10 will thrive in having another superstar with whom to relieve some of the daily pressure he receives. Both on the pitch and off, this budding partnership has the potential to become very special indeed.