Lionel Messi: Neymar Joining Real Madrid 'Would Be Terrible' for Barcelona Fans

Lionel Messi has said his former Barcelona team-mate Neymar leaving Paris Saint-Germain and signing for Real Madrid "would be terrible to see." 

Speaking to TYC Sports (h/t AS), Messi said Neymar joining Barca's bitter rivals "would be a big blow" for the club's fans.

Messi and Neymar won two La Liga titles, a pair of Copa del Rey trophies and the UEFA Champions League during three seasons together at the Camp Nou. Neymar has developed to the level where he regularly features in conversations about the world's best player.

It is a title usually bestowed on Messi, but the pint-sized Argentinian maestro said he is not interested in such distinctions:

"I'm not interested in being the best ever. I've never said that I am, not first, second, third, or fourth. Every time I start a new year I try to improve myself, win everything, leave everything on the pitch, and give all I have both for my team-mates and for myself."

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Links between Neymar and Real have been strong for months. However, Guillem Balague of Sky Sports (h/t Charlie Malam of the Daily Express) believes the Brazil international forward will move to the Spanish capital one day, but not this summer.

Balague's words were lent weight when outgoing PSG manager Unai Emery told Cadena SER (h/t Metro) Neymar will remain in Paris for another season.

Les Parisiens had better hope Neymar sticks around after his stunning start to life at the Parc des Princes. Before a foot injury ruled him out for the run in, Neymar had become the creative and free-scoring fulcrum of Emery's team.

His combination with centre-forward Edinson Cavani and forward Kylian Mbappe made PSG the most prolific side in the French top flight. Neymar's impact was summed up by the award he received despite his injury-hit debut campaign:

The numbers explain why Los Blancos are so keen. Yet as Messi pointed out, Neymar going to Barca's great rivals would not only be a tough pill to swallow, likely evoking memories of Luis Figo's infamous transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2000.

It would also put the Blaugrana's status as the ruling force in La Liga in jeopardy.