Messi, LeBron, Balotelli wish Neymar swift recovery

Four-time world footballer of the year Lionel Messi wished his Barcelona team-mate Neymar a quick recovery after the Brazil star Brazil suffered a fractured vertebrae ruling him out of the remainder of the World Cup.

“Neymar, I hope that you recover very quickly,” wrote the Argentinian on his Facebook page alongside a photgraph of the two stars in their Barcelona shirts.

Neymar was carried off grimacing in agony after an aerial collision with Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga towards the end of the contest. The 22-year-old got a knee in the back.

“The exam showed he suffered a fracture of the third vertebrae” in his back, Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said.

Messi, who like Neymar has been the standout star for his team, will hope to join Brazil in the semi-finals later on Saturday when he leads his Argentinian team-mates against Belgium in Brasilia with the kick-off at 1600GMT.

American basketball star, LeBron James wrote on Twitter: Hate to hear the news on Neymar! What a player. Have a speedy recovery/Get well asap man! #HesABeast #MyKidsFavPlayer

Eccentric Italian striker Mario Balotelli tweeted: ‘@neymarjr brother! I am with you! Force!’