In an interview on the Podpah podcast, Neymar recounted how Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, approached him for advice on penalty kicks during their stint together at the French club between 2021 and 2023.

According to Neymar, the exchange occurred during a training session at PSG. Messi, curious about Neymar’s distinctive penalty-taking technique, asked, “How do you take penalties like that?” Neymar, amused by the humility of his teammate, responded with disbelief: “Are you crazy? You’re Messi! If I can do it, you can too.”

He then proceeded to guide Messi through the process, encouraging him to practice the skill. Neymar claims this guidance paid off, pointing to Messi’s success in scoring penalties during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina triumphed, and Messi netted crucial spot-kicks, including in the final against France.

This story highlights the dynamic between the two superstars during their time at PSG, where they joined forces alongside Kylian Mbappé to form a formidable attacking trio. Neymar, who had moved to PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for a record-breaking €222 million, was already an established figure at the club when Messi arrived from Barcelona in August 2021. Their prior chemistry from playing together at Barcelona (2013–2017)—where they won a Champions League title and multiple domestic honors—carried over to Paris, fostering a collaborative spirit.

Neymar’s penalty technique, often characterized by a stuttering run-up and a knack for deceiving goalkeepers, contrasts with Messi’s traditionally smoother, placement-focused approach. Posts on various social media platforms from as early as October 2022 noted Messi adapting his style, with some suggesting he had been picking up tips from Neymar in training. While Messi has always been a proficient penalty-taker—boasting an 80% success rate over his career—his World Cup performance, converting 5 out of 6 attempts, showcased a newfound confidence that Neymar playfully credits to their training ground exchange.

However, their time at PSG wasn’t without challenges. Despite their individual brilliance and moments of camaraderie, the trio struggled to deliver the ultimate prize—the UEFA Champions League—falling short in the round of 16 in both seasons they played together. Neymar later reflected on tensions within the team, claiming in a January 2025 podcast with Romário that Mbappé grew “jealous” after Messi’s arrival, disrupting their partnership. Yet, this penalty tale stands out as a positive footnote, illustrating a blend of mutual respect and teamwork amid a high-pressure environment.

Since leaving PSG, Neymar joined Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023, while Messi moved to Inter Miami in the MLS. Their paths have diverged, but Neymar’s claim offers a glimpse into a moment when two of football’s biggest stars shared a lighthearted lesson in Paris—one that, in Neymar’s view, left a mark on Messi’s penalty mastery and Argentina’s World Cup glory. Whether Messi would corroborate this tale remains untold, but it’s a charming testament to their bond at PSG.