The father of Barcelona forward Neymar has claimed that Lionel Messi is his son's "idol".

Neymar joined the Spanish giants from Santos in the summer of 2013 and quickly struck up a close relationship with Messi, which has brought Barcelona two league titles, the Champions League and two Copa del Rey crowns thus far.

Neymar Sr has revealed that Messi is his son's 'hero' and credited the Argentine's presence at Camp Nou as one of the main reasons why the 24-year-old decided to make the move to the Catalan giants.

"We all know who Messi is and what he means. He is the idol of my son and for him is a pleasure being at his side," Neymar Sr told Cope. "He is always happy for playing together and he is playing here for Messi."

Luis Suarez has since arrived at Barcelona to form part of the front three famously known as 'MSN'.