Former Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo has praised the development of Neymar but remains convinced that Lionel Messi is still the better of the two. 

Neymar has enjoyed a highly successful spell since arriving at Barca, having won two La Liga and Copa del Rey trophies apiece as well as the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Rivaldo believes the star has a long way to go if he hopes to surpass Messi’s standards.

‘As a Brazilian, I’ve really enjoyed the progress Neymar has made for the last two years,’ he told L’Equipe.

‘But for all that he has achieved over the past decade, the excellent season that he was still able to have, and also his immense talent, Lionel Messi is still, for me, the star and the best player at Barca.’

The former World Cup winner is hopeful his countryman can lead the side to Olympic gold at the Rio games. Brazil are two games away and face Honduras at the semi-final stage.

‘I think this time, with the quality of the current team, the presence of players with great experience at top European clubs – including Neymar – we’ve obviously got a real opportunity to get to the top of the podium,’ he said.

Brazil will be in action on Wednesday evening for the chance to face either Nigeria or Germany in the final.

The game will take place at the Maracana Stadium.

Kick-off is at 18:00.