'Neymar with Brazil much better than Messi with Argentina'

'I think Neymar should have already won the Ballon d'Or, he has made merits. With the Brazilian national team, he has always been much better than Messi with Argentina'. These were the words of Zico, a legend in Brazil who often criticised Neymar, but now cannot get enough of the 25-year-old's football.

'Last year, Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to win, because he won the European Championship and the Champions League. But Neymar could have won too', he affirmed, on 'Esporte Interativo' program 'Noite do Craques'.

Zico believes to know the reason behind the former Santos player's improvement: 'When he wore the captain's armband he was very nervous. It was a heavy burden to carry. He should not have the responsibility of been the best player and speaking to the referee. It is not his profile', he pointed out.

'His style is the ball, the game, to enjoy himself. And that is what he is doing. I can see him playing that way' said Zico, who had shown himself very critical of the Barca player in the past.