Neymar: Lionel Messi is my best friend

Brazilian forward Neymar admitted that the secret behind his and Lionel Messi’s magical on-field partnership is down to their friendship.
Following Barcelona’s 5-0 win over La Liga rivals Levante, in which Messi scored another hat-trick – his 23rd in Spain’s top flight – Neymar claimed that his understanding with the Argentine has blossomed. Neymar opened the scoring in the rout against Levante, rounding off a typically free-flowing passing move with a somewhat fortuitous finish before his partner in crime stole the show with yet another treble, taking him level with Cristiano Ronaldo atop the all-time La Liga goalscoring chart. [In numbers: All Lionel Messi’s milestones and records after his hat-trick against Levante] Luis Suarez rounded off the scoring with a superb scissor kick just minutes after coming off the bench. Following the victory, Neymar, who missed a penalty in midweek against Villarreal, spoke of his bond with Messi, stating that their friendship is key to the team’s success. “Some things come easy to Barca and we just put in one of our best performances,” the 23-year-old told Canal Plus. “I’m very happy with the result. The other day I missed a penalty but these things happen. For me it is an honour to play alongside Messi, Luis Suarez and Pedro. Messi is the best friend I have, both at Barca and away from the football pitch.”