The soccer legend says Neymar is 'no doubt the best player in Brazil' and has an opportunity to pass Messi as the best player in the world after signing with Barcelona.
Pele couldn't be happier about Neymar teaming up with Lionel Messi at Barcelona, but the Brazilian legend once again sparked the conversation of which striker is better.
Speaking to Goal, Pele attempted to clarify statements made last year when he said four-time reigning world player of the year Messi is not as good as Neymar, who, at 21, has yet to walk on the pitch for a major European club after spending his young career at Brazil's Santos.
"I never think that, although when people ask me about the comparisons and who is the best, I'll say, 'If you see Neymar, he doesn't have the same experience as Messi after 10 years at a club,'" Pele said. "(Neymar) has really gone up the last two years. He can use both feet good and get up in the air.
"The difference that I try to explain to the people is that both are really good. I love Messi, I love the player. But to make the comparison, I think Neymar has the capabilities to play better than Messi... or maybe not."
Pele, who is widely considered the greatest soccer player of all time, is not too happy that Neymar had to leave the club he once played for, but Pele understands the youngster needs experience overseas.
"I'm not happy, because Santos lost a good player," Pele joked. "But, seriously, I think it's good for him, because Neymar was no doubt the best player in Brazil and then he gets the experience to play also abroad. To play in Europe is a little different than to play in South America. Football in Europe is a little more tough, while South America is a little more laid back and technical."
Neymar will have a chance to break out on the international stage with a Brazilian squad Pele believes has a chance to win the final.
Speaking to Goal, Pele attempted to clarify statements made last year when he said four-time reigning world player of the year Messi is not as good as Neymar, who, at 21, has yet to walk on the pitch for a major European club after spending his young career at Brazil's Santos.
"I never think that, although when people ask me about the comparisons and who is the best, I'll say, 'If you see Neymar, he doesn't have the same experience as Messi after 10 years at a club,'" Pele said. "(Neymar) has really gone up the last two years. He can use both feet good and get up in the air.
"The difference that I try to explain to the people is that both are really good. I love Messi, I love the player. But to make the comparison, I think Neymar has the capabilities to play better than Messi... or maybe not."
Pele, who is widely considered the greatest soccer player of all time, is not too happy that Neymar had to leave the club he once played for, but Pele understands the youngster needs experience overseas.
"I'm not happy, because Santos lost a good player," Pele joked. "But, seriously, I think it's good for him, because Neymar was no doubt the best player in Brazil and then he gets the experience to play also abroad. To play in Europe is a little different than to play in South America. Football in Europe is a little more tough, while South America is a little more laid back and technical."
Neymar will have a chance to break out on the international stage with a Brazilian squad Pele believes has a chance to win the final.
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