Neymar tips Messi for Ballon d’Or

The 27-year-old striker was also critical of the Barca fans, a few of which have started to turn on their players in recent weeks.

It was because he was serving a four-month ban at the time for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at that summer’s World Cup.

“I am very happy at Barca, and in Barcelona, where I have settled very well”, Neymar is quoted as saying by ESPN.

While speaking about his special relationship with Messi and Suarez, he added: “I think we surprised people”.

Messi had scored six goals in 10 appearances for the La Liga giants before sustaining the injury in the 2-1 win at the end of September.

“Since I was young, I’ve always assumed responsibilities, for Santos, for the national team”, he said.

“The challenge doesn’t scare me even though I know it’s hard”.

Messi is now sidelined with an injury, and with Barcelona losing two of their last three La Liga games, a depleted squad seem to be feeling the effects of not having their talisman in situ.

The 23-year-old has also set up a further 27 goals, making his opening two and bit seasons pretty spectacular, to say the least.

“Last season was wonderful with the treble and now, because we lost a game, we’re judged like this”, Suarez told TV3.

“We all know how strong our rivals are, from Real Madrid to Atletico, Valencia, Sevilla. We have to do more than we have been to beat our opponents”.

Both the Spanish and British media had confirmed that United might make an offer for his services, with manager Louis van Gaal keen on strengthening his squad to win titles.