Messi is my idol, says Barcelona debutant Neymar

 

The 21-year-old is delighted to have finally made his bow in Blaugrana colours following his €57 million (£49.6m) move and says that he looks up to his Argentine team-mate

Neymar says that idolises team-mate Lionel Messi, describing his debut for Barcelona as a "dream come true".

The Brazil international was handed his highly anticipated first outing for the Blaugrana with a 15-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw with Lechia Gdansk on Tuesday, replacing Alexis Sanchez in the 78th minute.

And, speaking to reporters after the game, the Selecao starlet admitted that the transition from dream to reality had begun after making his bow.

"What was my debut like? My dream is turning into a reality and I'm very happy," he enthused.

Much has been made over how the €57 million (£49.6m) youngster's arrival will impact on Messi - who netted his team's second equaliser in the game - but the former Santos forward says that he is just happy to share the same dressing room as his "idol".

"Messi is an idol of mine and I am very happy to be with him and playing alongisde him," the Brazilian remarked. "He is a great player and a great person."

The 21-year-old is due to face his former club Santos on August 2 in the Joan Gamper Trophy and, while admitting that it will be an odd experience to come up against his old team-mates so soon after leaving, Neymar insists that he will not be holding back on his return.

"It will be a little strange to play against Santos but now I am with Barcelona and I'll give everything for the shirt," he added.

Neymar is expected to make his competitive debut when Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super-Cup on August 21.