Lionel Messi says Brazilian forward, Neymar Jr was instrumental in his decision to join Paris Saint-Germain(PSG).
Messi and Neymar had been teammates at FC Barcelona, where they formed an alliance and built their friendship until PSG snatched Neymar in 2017 for a world record transfer fee of  âŹ222 million.
On Tuesday, Messi signed a two -year deal with the Ligue one side following non-renewal of his contract with Barcelona.
Even before the Argentine forward penned the new contract, Neymar had taken to his social media page to announce the reunion.
âBack together,â read the caption of an old picture of the duo in a gleeful embrace while celebrating a goal for Barcelona.
During the press briefing at his unveiling on Wednesday, Messi spoke about Neymarâs role in his move to Parc des Princes.
âDi Maria, Parades, I know all of the teammates in the dressing room, we had contact, and Neymar, of course, did a lot and was important in my decision,â he said.
The six-times Ballon Dâor winner added that his goals align with that of the French giant, making the decision easier.
âIt was very complicated to exit Barcelona without knowing where I was going to go. Barcelona is my home. I have been there since I was a kid,â he said
âThey knew I would arrive in a strong team, a team aiming to win the Champions League. I love to win. I want to have important goals. I know my goals and PSGâs goals are the same, and want to be bigger and bigger.
âI donât know if we will face Barcelona. It would be very nice to go back to Barcelona. I hope it would be with fans given the pandemic. It would be very strange to play there in another shirt, but it can happen, and we will see.â