Messi is my idol, says Neymar

The 21-year-old is delighted to have
finally made his bow in Blaugrana
colours following his €57 million
move and says he looks up to his
Argentine team-mate
Neymar has revealed he idolises team-
mate Lionel Messi and described his
debut for Barcelona as a "dream come
true".
The Brazil international was handed his
highly-anticipated debut 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 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 said.
Much has been made over how the €57
million youngster's arrival will impact on
Messi - who netted his team's second
equaliser in the game - but the former
Santos forward says 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. 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 it
will be an odd experience to come up
against his old team-mates so soon after
leaving, Neymar insists 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.