Better Than Messi And Ronaldo? Brazil Legend Backs Neymar In GOAT Debate

Brazil icon Cafu has sensationally claimed that Neymar is technically superior to both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he backed the forward to lead the Selecao at the upcoming World Cup. 

The legendary right-back, who remains the only man to play in three consecutive World Cup finals, believes a fit Neymar remains the ultimate difference-maker for the Brazil national team.

Neymar was once considered the heir to the Messi-Ronaldo throne, but the Ballon d'Or has always eluded him, and after seeing his career halted by numerous injuries, the 34-year-old is now struggling to rediscover his best form at Santos. He's been a Brazilian football icon since his first spell at Santos, but his maturity and focus off the pitch have often been questioned. With the World Cup just around the corner, the pressure remains on Neymar to force his way into Carlo Ancelotti's squad as Brazil chases their first global crown since 2002.

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Despite Neymar facing a series of fitness battles in recent seasons, former AC Milan defender Cafu insists that the former Barcelona man's ceiling has always been higher than that of Messi and Ronaldo.

"For me, Neymar was technically even better than [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi," the Brazil legend said to The Times. "He’s had a brilliant career."

When pressed on Neymar's World Cup prospects, Cafu added: "Any team that has a decisive player like Neymar needs that player. If Neymar is in good shape — physically fit, tactically fit, technically fit — it’s obvious he’s a player who decides games. But only Ancelotti can decide and only Neymar can know if he’s ready."

The Selecao are heading into a new era under Ancelotti, the first foreigner to take sole charge of the national