Brazil's Neymar praises Argentina and Lionel Messi after Superclasico triumph

Posted Saturday, October 01, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Brazil striker Neymar had kind words for vanquished rival Argentina, as well as Barcelona maestro Lionel Messi, after scoring a goal in Wednesday's Superclasico de las Americas win.

"They have a great team," the 19-year-old Real Madrid target told reporters at the end of the match.

Neymar swapped shirts with Cruzeiro's Argentine playmaker Walter Montillo at half time, and showed his appreciation for the debutant by affirming, "He is a brilliant player, a star."

Another Argentine star was also in Neymar's sights. Speculation may link him to Madrid, but the youngster could not hide his admiration for Messi.

"You cannot compare Messi with anyone. It is his dribbling which is so close and so neat, nobody else can do this," he admitted. "Only a genius can do the things he does. I try them, but…"

The Santos prodigy hit the second effort in a 2-0 triumph in Belem, bundling in from close range after Sao Paulo teenager Lucas had opened the scoring. The victory was a deserved one for the home team, which had the best of proceedings throughout the game before pulling away in the second half.

Neymar will be back in action for Santos when the club visits Fluminense on Saturday.