Neymar Jr. has once again reminded the football world of the unbreakable bond he shares with Lionel Messi. In a touching gesture that quickly went viral, the Brazilian star sent a set of personalized Santos FC jerseys to Messi and his three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—each bearing heartfelt handwritten messages that highlight their enduring friendship beyond the pitch.

The jerseys, signed with Neymar’s iconic number 10, were delivered from his boyhood club Santos in Brazil, where he returned in late 2025 after a storied career at Barcelona, PSG, and Al-Hilal. Santos’ official social media account shared the moment on February 10, 2026, posting a photo of the Messi family posing with the gifts. The caption read: “From Neymar Jr. to Lionel Messi. From the Prince to the Genius. The Sacred Mantle, of immeasurable value, with the number immortalised by the King. 10 for Neymar. 10 for Messi. 10 for Pelé. An infinite legacy in the history of soccer. Greetings from Vila Belmiro, Lionel Messi!”

Among the jerseys, the one for Thiago Messi stood out with the message “For Thiago, a hug” (in Portuguese: “Para Thiago, um abraço”), a warm and personal note that captured the affectionate uncle-nephew dynamic Neymar has shared with Messi’s eldest son since his early days. Thiago, now 13, has grown up around both legends, often seen in photos and videos from their Barcelona and PSG eras. The message resonated deeply with fans, evoking memories of Neymar’s playful interactions with the Messi children during team events and family gatherings.

The other jerseys carried similar personal touches, though specifics for Mateo and Ciro were not fully detailed in public posts. Neymar’s dedication to each boy reflects the genuine care he has shown the Messi family over the years. From celebrating Thiago’s birthday with custom videos to including the kids in playful social media moments, Neymar has long treated them like his own extended family. This latest gift underscores that bond, especially poignant as Messi settles into life post-Barcelona and PSG, focusing on Inter Miami and family time in Florida.

The timing of the gesture added extra meaning. Neymar’s return to Santos marked a nostalgic homecoming for the 34-year-old, who has spoken openly about missing the simple joy of playing in Brazil. Sending the jerseys to Messi symbolized passing on that legacy—linking the club’s legendary number 10 (worn by Pelé) to the two modern stars who redefined it in Europe. Santos’ post paid tribute to this shared history, emphasizing an “infinite legacy” that transcends clubs and borders.

Fans reacted with overwhelming positivity. Social media platforms flooded with comments praising the “pure love” and “forever brothers” sentiment. ESPN FC reposted the image with the caption: “Neymar sent Messi and his sons personalized jerseys with messages on them ‘For Thiago, a hug’ Forever brothers.” Thousands shared the photo, many noting how rare it is for elite athletes to maintain such authentic friendships after their playing days together end. The gesture also highlighted Neymar’s softer side amid criticisms of his off-field lifestyle, reminding everyone of his loyalty to close friends.

Messi, known for his private nature, has not publicly commented yet, but the family photo—showing him and the boys proudly holding the jerseys—spoke volumes. Thiago and Mateo beamed in the image, while Ciro, the youngest, added to the wholesome family vibe. The moment reinforced Messi’s role as a devoted father, often prioritizing time with his children over media spotlight.

This isn’t the first time Neymar has shown affection through gifts. Over the years, he has surprised the Messi boys with toys, messages, and invitations to events. The Santos jerseys, however, carry special weight—tying back to Neymar’s roots while honoring Messi’s unparalleled status. The number 10 connection—Pelé, Neymar, Messi—creates a symbolic thread through football history, making the gift feel like more than merchandise; it’s a piece of legacy.

The story has sparked discussions about athlete friendships in an era of constant transfers and rivalries. Many point to Neymar and Messi’s relationship as a rare example of genuine camaraderie that survived club changes, injuries, and career shifts. From their magical partnership at Barcelona—where they formed part of one of the most feared attacking trios alongside Luis Suárez—to reuniting at PSG and supporting each other through personal challenges, their bond has endured.

As Neymar rebuilds his career in Brazil and Messi continues dominating in MLS, gestures like this keep their connection alive. Fans hope to see more moments between them, perhaps even a friendly match or joint event in the future. For now, the personalized jerseys stand as a beautiful reminder that some relationships in football transcend trophies and titles—they’re built on mutual respect, shared memories, and simple acts of kindness.

In a sport often defined by competition, Neymar’s gift shows that true greatness includes lifting up friends and their families. “For Thiago, a hug” isn’t just words on fabric—it’s a promise of ongoing care, a virtual embrace across continents, and proof that the “Prince” and the “Genius” remain forever brothers.