Brazil Squad Report: Neymar and Messi battle for Golden Boot

"Anything you can do I can do better."

They're two of the best players in the world. They're also teammates at Barcelona. Neymar and Lionel Messi share a lot in common.

A great deal of pressure was placed on both players heading into the World Cup. Neymar, at home, was expected to bring Brazil to glory. On the other side: Could Lionel Messi really be considered the best player in the world if he didn't lead Argentina to success on the biggest stage?

Through three games they both have four goals, tying for the tournament lead. It turns out playing well under enormous expectations is just another trait shared by both men. 

They are different people, however. Messi is the quiet one, going about his business without the flare that usually accompanies today's high profile footballers.

Neymar is having fun, seemingly all the time, changing his hairstyles and taking selfies on a whim.

They're ongoing battle is not taking place head to head, but it's one story line that's bound to heat up in the coming days. 

Fixtures/Results

Group A  — June 12 — Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Group A  — June 17 — Brazil 0-0 Mexico

Group A — June 23  — Brazil 4-1 Cameroon

Round of 16 — June 28 — Brazil vs. Chile

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

Nothing major to report out of Brazil's camp in the lead up to Saturday's game. It seems as though Fernandinho will get the start over Paulinho, though nothing has been confirmed as of yet. 

Team Leaders

Goals: Neymar – 4

Assists: Oscar – 2

3 Quick Notes

1. FIFA is investigating Neymar for wearing unsanctioned underwear at the World Cup. It's good to know FIFA's priorities are in check. 

2. Messi's scoring clip is slightly higher than Neymar's. The Argentinian is scoring a goal every 61 minutes while the Brazilian is scoring a goal every 62 minutes. It's that close. 

3. Neymar's Group Stage highlights are worth watching again and again.