Thiago Silva: 'Neymar can match Lionel Messi'

Thiago Silva has insisted that Neymar can be as good as Lionel Messi at the 2014 World Cup.

The Brazilian striker is currently the tournament's joint-leading goalscorer, tied with the Argentine and Thomas Muller of Germany.

The host nation's captain said during a press conference: "Messi is one of the best strikers in the world, one of the very best players. But Neymar is growing into a crescendo and he will be soon considered one of the best in the world.

"Technically, he has all the skills. Messi is one of the best of all, but I'm sure Neymar will get to that level."

Messi and Neymar are club teammates at Barcelona.