Messi and Ronaldo web ST

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Whenever there is a talk about modern-day footballers, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s names automatically pop up. The two players have completely owned the game over the last one-and-a-half decades. However, there is also a third name that is often taken alongside the two modern-day greats of the game.

Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr. is often counted among the best footballers for his skills and consistency. With Messi and Ronaldo having set up a legacy, there is also a comparison drawn between the three athletes. Former Real Madrid midfielder Cicinho has also drawn a comparison between Neymar and the two greats. The former Brazillian reserved high praise for his countryman and called him equally good as Ronaldo and Messi.

"Neymar is as good as Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, if not better,” Cicinho told Jovem Pan Esportes. It’s worth mentioning that the 30-year-old Brazillian has been going through a slump in the past few months. Neymar scored 13 goals and registered eight assists from 28 appearances across all competitions for his club Paris Saint-Germain.

Overall, Neymar has played a total of 144 matches for PSG since joining the Ligue 1 giants from Barcelona in 2017. He found the back of the net 100 times and provided 60 assists for his teammates in those games. Injuries have been Neymar’s biggest enemy as the 30-year-old has missed a whopping 106 games across five seasons for PSG.

These ordinary shows from Neymar have also raised a question about his future with the club. PSG are even said to be willing to listen to offers for the forward ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. However, Neymar has a contract with the Ligue 1 champions until the end of the 2024-25 season. It remains to be seen if the Brazilian gets a new club or he gets better while staying at PSG and lifts himself above Ronaldo and Messi.