Lionel Messi and Neymar Partnership Finally Realizing Expectations

When the news first broke over a year ago that Brazilian starlet Neymar would be joining FC Barcelona, the football world held its collective breath. The thought of Lionel Messi and Neymar pairing up in attack seemed like something out of a video game—the talent level unbelievable.

However, things did not go according to plan for the duo last season. Neymar struggled to find his rhythm in the Barcelona system, and his link-up play with Messi tended to be off in the majority of matches.

While the pair did seem to have a great relationship both on and off the pitch, their styles of play just weren’t meshing well in big games. But the best players always find a way to make it work, and that looks to be the case in Catalonia.

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Ever since Luis Enrique took over as the Blaugrana boss, the pairing of Messi and Neymar has flourished. Perhaps Enrique’s changes have brought the best out of the two forwards, or maybe they have simply learned how to play off one another.

Regardless of how these two world stars have made it work, the fact is they are now playing together the way that fans expected them to when Neymar first joined the Catalan giants.

The link-up play is exquisite, their ability to pull defenders out of position for another is unbelievable and their pure talent is wreaking havoc for opponents. The idea of Messi and Neymar playing together is actually coming to fruition, and Barcelona fans are right to be excited.

Last year, Neymar only managed to score 16 times for Barcelona; this season he’s already found the back of the next seven times. Messi, who is operating in more of a creator’s role, has scored six goals while also giving the same number of assists.

The statistics prove that the duo is finally working properly, and simply watching them together on the pitch reveals how strong the attacking combination has become.

Messi is the same player he has always been. He loves to drop deep, create chances and finish off plays when he sees the opportunity. Neymar is playing to his strengths as well, utilizing his dribbling ability to make space, while also putting himself into scoring chances.

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Saturday night against Rayo, Messi and Neymar were again the stars of the show. The Barcelona duo both scored a goal to lead La Blaugrana to a 2-0 victory, and they made it look easy.

Throughout the match, they passed well and linked up beautifully. Both were unselfish and were not afraid to help the other get into dangerous places in attack. With Messi and Neymar both sold on helping each other succeed, Barcelona can now take full advantage of what these two stars of football have to offer.

In a recent interview reported on Barcelona’s official website, Messi had the following to say, showing his partnership with Neymar is something that will only get better:

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It is now the second season we’ve been together and we understand each other. We are also playing closer together than last season and that means we can work together more. As I said, he’s a great player and it’s a real pleasure to be on the pitch with him.

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As Messi and Neymar’s partnership continues to grow, Barcelona will find more success. Stopping this duo takes something special, and it is only a matter of time until Luis Suarez joins the mix. But will Suarez’s arrival disturb Messi and Neymar’s rhythm?

Have Messi and Neymar finally found their rhythm together? Just how much can this duo achieve? Leave your thoughts and comments below!