Real Madrid's Rodrygo Goes says he prefers his international teammate Neymar over Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi.

The 18-year-old has caught the attention of world football following his displays for Real including a sensational hat-trick in their 6-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League.

This form has seen him called up into Brazil's full national side for their friendlies against Messi's Argentina and South Korea.

In his first interview having been called up by coach Tite, Rodrygo answered many questions from the press about both ​Real Madrid, life in Spain and where he fits into the national side.

In response to a question posed about whether he prefers the style of Brazil star Neymar or Argentina's ​Messi, he answered: "I say on the side of Brazil, with Neymar."

It is not really that surprising that the Brazilian Real Madrid forward sided with his compatriot over his rival. PSG's record signing ​Neymar will not play against Argentina as he is sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Brazil may look to their new star in Rodrygo as they look for an upturn in results following a run of four friendly games that has seen them fail to win. They won the Copa America on home soil in the summer but have struggled since then.

Rodrygo will have to wait to play alongside the man that he has so much admiration for - but there is a possibility that he will line up against ​Barcelona's Messi. He has represented Brazil at Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 level, and now has the chance to impress at senior level.

His form has not only earned him the call-up to the national side, but equally comparisons with former Real Madrid man Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I am too young to say that I am filling the space that he left," Rodrygo responded when asked about the now Juventus striker.

"I am at the beginning of my career at Madrid, I hope to one day be a great player there, but I'm not putting myself under pressure."

It seems, then, the young Brazilian has a wise head on those young shoulders. He has shown the world his ability and has no need to feel under pressure to perform to the heights that Ronaldo did. Getting his first call-up to the Brazil side is, itself, a huge achievement for the former Santos man.

The friendly match between two of football's biggest nations will be a fascinating watch on Friday afternoon. Whether or not Rodrygo gets on to the pitch is another matter - but his comments comparing Neymar and Messi are definitely going to open up some debates.