Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has questioned whether Brazil forward Neymar is ready to bear the mantle of being his side's key player at the age of just 22.

Barton said that the Barcelona player has the chance to prove him wrong, but doubts that he will have the same impact in the World Cup as Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I've been critical of him in the past saying he is a while away from being a Messi or Ronaldo - but this is his chance," Barton told BBC Sport.

"I personally don't think he's ready. It may be a little early in his trajectory. He had a great time in the Confederations Cup but as we can see, this isn't a Confederations Cup."

Brazil get the tournament underway at 9pm against Croatia.

Written by
Matt Domm