Ronaldo Lima played for Barcelona for one season, in 1996-97, but he knows a gifted striker when he sees one. The leading light of Brazil's most recent World Cup triumph (2002) has tapped his countryman, Neymar Jr, as the heir to Lionel Messi's throne at Barcelona.
Ronaldo told a the Brazilian media he thinks Neymar has what it takes to become Barcelona's talisman when the time comes for Messi to hang it up.
"I like Neymar a lot. He is a bit like me," Ronaldo said. "He had some difficulties in getting used to his new environment at first, but I knew that he was going to succeed."
But Can Neymar Do It?
Physically, it would not be that hard to fill Lionel Messi's shoes. His feet are not that big. But metaphorically? Hoo, boy. The 23-year-old Selecao captain has his work cut out for him. When Messi was his age the Argentinian had already won world player of the year.
Can he do it? Maybe, time will tell. But good lord, what an expectation to have to try to fulfill. No Pressure, buddy.
(H/T Goal)
Contact The18 Staff Writer Sam Klomhaua at Klomhaus@The18.com or follow him on Twitter @SamKlomhaus
