Barcelona's Neymar: "Lionel Messi is an idol of mine"

New Barcelona forward Neymar has revealed that teammate Lionel Messi is his "idol".

The Brazil international moved to Camp Nou earlier this summer for a reported fee of around £48m and made his debut in Tuesday's 2-2 draw against Lechia Gdansk.

Speaking after the game, the former Santos man admitted that he idolises the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner and said that turning out for Barca was the realisation of a dream.

"Messi is an idol of mine and I am very happy to be with him and playing alongside him," Neymar told reporters. "He is a great player and a great person.

"For me, he is the best in the world and I am honoured to play with him. My dream is turning into a reality and I'm very happy."

Neymar was part of the Brazil side that won the Confederations Cup last month.