The arrival of Neymar has created a great deal of speculation if the Brazilian will be able to collaborate with Lionel Messi. Barcelona Xavi Hernandez not only thinks that the two will work well, but that the 21-year-old will help Messi reach new heights.
"Neymar is destined to make the difference," Xavi said. "He's got lightning pace and scores goals. Having Leo, Neymar and all the other players is sure to help us each improve on an individual level."
He added, "Great players bring out the best in each other. I'm certain Neymar will be better alongside Leo and Leo will be better alongside Neymar. We'll try to help him adapt, make him happy and get the best out of him to play like he has done for Brazil."
Neymar made his debut on Tuesday in a preseason game against Polish side Lechia Gdansk when he was subbed in for Alexis Sanchez late in the match. He did not get a chance to play with Messi, who scored the second goal for the Spanish champs.
Messi finished 2012 with 92 goals and Neymar is known for his goalscoring wizardry. Many questioned whether Neymar would be able to put his ego aside and let Messi continue to be the number one star at the Camp Nou. The Brazilian and a number of Barcelona members agree with Xavi's assessment of the situation.
"I feel very comfortable with him," Neymar said about Messi. "He's an idol of mine and I'm so happy to be able to be alongside him. He's a fantastic player and a great person and I just want to help him to continue making the Barca fans happy."
"I find it hard to believe two great players like Messi and Neymar won't be able to play together. It is not going to be a problem," Barcelona coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino noted. "If I can't make them play together, it is a deficit on my part as coach."
"They are both great people with great hearts and I believe that both of them will do their best to bring the team as much success as it has had in the past," added Barcelona president Sandro Rosell.
"Barca have always had some of the best players in the world at their disposal, and Neymar and Messi are undoubtedly two of the best at the moment," said former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola. "I know Messi very well. He is a fantastic person as well as player. I have met Neymar too and he seems like a good lad and I'm sure they will have no problem playing together."
Messi and Neymar will get a chance to play together on Friday when Barcelona takes on Neymar's former club Santos in a friendly.