Neymar knows Messi is ahead of him, claims Edmilson.

The veteran Selecao defender believes the former Santos starlet is well aware that he will have to play second fiddle to the Argentine

Brazil legend Edmilson claims compatriot Neymar is fully aware of the work that needs to be done before he can reach Lionel Messi's stature within in the game. 

The duo are set to partner one another in attack for Barcelona next season following the the 21-year-old Brazil international's switch to Camp Nou earlier this summer.

And Edmilson, who helped facilitate the youngster's move to Catalunya, believes Neymar's new team-mates will be pleasantly surprised at the humility of the Selecao star.

"People in the Barcelona dressing room will be surprised with the way he behaves, at how he listens to those who are better than him. He will not create any issues," Edmilson told reporters.

"Neymar is a very smart guy, he knows that Messi is ahead of him.

"Neymar is joyful, he is a tremendous guy. He and Messi are two great players with different characteristics.

"There is much talk of whether they can work together, with what Cruyff has said, people want to make trouble of a situation that has not even started yet."

The Blaugrana supporters could be given their first taste of the Neymar-Messi partnership for the club's Spanish Super Cup clash against Atletico Madrid in August.(Goal.com)