This is one of the biggest questions on the lips of football fans everywhere. Personally, I’d like to add Portugal talisman and reigning World Footballer of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to the debate but the Madrid forward is at a disadvantaged position. Of the supporting cast in the Portugal National Team, only Joao Moutinho and Nani can claim to be top players. Messi has the likes of Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Angel Di Maria and Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain while Neymar will line up alongside Hulk, Oscar, Willian, and Manchester City powerhouse Fernandinho. So it comes down to two out of the three biggest superstars in football, Lionel Messi and Neymar. Both players have huge abilities, no doubt. They are both match winners on their day and the tournament will be much more enjoyable for their presence.

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Motivation: Brazil’s Neymar will be heading to the tournament full of confidence on the back of his debut season with Barcelona. His first season in Europe, while not wildly successful, was solid. Also, he will be playing at home; in front of family and friends who will be rooting for him. Messi will also be highly motivated as he lost the Balon D’or to fierce rival Ronaldo but I think the lure of winning the World Cup at home will propel Neymar to heights previously unreached. Advantage Neymar.

Pressure: What should count as Neymar’s advantage could also prove to be his undoing. The expectation of the entire nation rests on his young shoulders and this pressure could eventually tell. Messi, on the other hand won’t be feeling as much pressure as his club mate. Argentina are one of the teams tipped for the cup but they are not the bookmaker’s favourites. Teams like Germany, Spain and hosts Brazil are expected to beat the Albeciete to the World Cup title. Advantage Messi.

Experience: When it comes to big game experience, delivering on the big stage, Messi comes out tops. Although he hasn’t really done it in the colours of Argentina, Lionel Messi has performed for Barca on the biggest stage time and time again. The diminutive Argentine has scored in two Champions League final matches and if that isn’t the big stage, then I don’t know what is. Sure, Neymar also played well in the Confederations Cup final against almighty Spain but I still think Messi would edge this one. Advantage Messi.

Fatigue: Most of the players from the top European teams are at risk of burning out. After the ebergy-sapping season, many of them didn’t have up to a fortnight to rest before jetting off to their respective National team camps. Neymar will be more susceptible to this than Messi given than the Argentine was out for a few weeks during the season. He must have had some much needed rest which Neymar didn’t have the luxury of. As Rio Ferdinand recently said, margins like this count at the highest level and I expect this to work in Messi and Argentina’s favour. Advantage Messi.

VERDICT: Lionel Messi $8.50 will shine brighter in Brazil – Get a $200 Bet365 FREE BET on this market.