Luis Suarez Comments on Neymar and Lionel Messi Relationship at Barcelona

Despite their own sensational recent form, Barcelona striker Luis Suarez has insisted both he and his team-mate Neymar both know that Lionel Messi remains “the best.”  

Suarez and Messi each bagged a brace as the European champions turned in a masterclass against Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, winning 6-1. The former Liverpool striker revealed he’s delighted to have the Argentina international back alongside him, although both he and Neymar appreciate the Barca no. 10 is on another level, per Marca:

"

It's wonderful to see him back playing that way. People couldn't wait for Leo to come back', said the Uruguayan, going on to shed further light on the unselfishness and chemistry between the members of the star-studded Azulgranas frontline. 'We're here for the good of the team and to help Barca. Individualism isn't on anyone's agenda because we know Leo is the best.'

Suarez felt that it was a 'perfect, complete' performance to put the Giallorossi to the sword. 'We know that we have to live up to the demands of being a Barcelona player and that what's important is to pitch in for the team', the former Liverpool and Ajax star added.

"

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

The Uruguay international has been marvellous at the point of the Blaugrana attack ever since arriving from Liverpool in the summer of 2014, but he is currently enjoying his best run of form in the iconic jersey.

Indeed, without Messi, who made his first appearance since September last weekend against Real Madrid, both Suarez and Neymar have upped their own performance levels, relishing the responsibility of leading the attack and firing in goals seemingly as they please.

Squawka Football took a look at just how well the Barcelona No. 9 has been playing as of late:

As Suarez notes, there’s a real togetherness about these players whenever they take to the field. Messi, Suarez and Neymar each seem to enjoy helping their team-mates get on the scoresheet, which was evident in the former letting the latter take over penalty duties during the win over Roma.

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

That’s not something which can be said for a lot of sides, such as Barcelona’s biggest rivals, Real Madrid, where there does seem to be an internal struggle to be the best of the bunch. As noted here by MisterChip, a collective understanding is certainly trumping single-mindedness at the moment:

Still, there seems to be an understanding that despite all three prongs of Barcelona’s attacking trident being world-class, Messi remains the main man.

That was evident in the manner in which the 28-year-old swaggered back into the side for the Blaugrana on Tuesday, showing the kind of majestic touch, movement and intelligence which has allowed him to forge a reputation as the best player in the world. 

Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images

At the moment, you’d have to say his two team-mates are the biggest challengers to that particular mantle. Steven Gerrard, who played alongside Suarez at Liverpool, told BT Sport he thinks his former team-mate has now surpassed Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, per Sport Witness:

While those kinds of labels and fantasy rankings will be important to some, it doesn’t seem to matter at Barcelona. The players all celebrate goals like supporters, are delighted when setting up their team-mates and, most importantly of all, possess a staggering amount of quality. If Messi, Suarez and Neymar continue enjoying their football, then this team will continue making history.

The significance of the Ballon d’Or has grown in recent years due to battles between Messi and Ronaldo, but for players, being the best player shouldn’t be the ultimate goal. Firing their team to European glory again this season and becoming the first team to retain the Champions League in its new format will be what's driving this Barcelona attacking trio, not individual plaudits.