Neymar signs 5-year contract with Barcelona

Brazilian soccer player Neymar waves to Barcelona's supporters at his presentation after signing a five-year contract with the club, at Nou Camp stadium in Barcelona, June 3, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

Even before making it official, Neymar's new teammates had given him their vote of confidence.

Earlier Monday, Iniesta said he expects Neymar to become even better when paired in attack with Messi, the four-time world player of the year.

"He is coming to the best possible place for him," Iniesta said. "Let him do what he does best, that is enough. It is great news that we can count on him. Surrounded by the people he will have here, he will get better and better.

"Great players always understand one another. Leo will be make Neymar better, and Neymar will make Leo better."

Dani Alves, whom Neymar said played a key role in persuading him to come to Barcelona, recalled the long line of Brazilian forwards who have triumphed at Barcelona, including Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.

"He will give us a Brazilian touch," countryman Dani Alves said of Neymar. "The others left their mark. I am sure he will, too."

Neymar flew to the Mediterranean city on a private jet with a small entourage, including his father Neymar Silva Santos, that left Rio de Janeiro after the national side's 2-2 draw with England on Sunday. He will return to his home country for the upcoming Confederations Cup, which Brazil is hosting in preparation for the 2014 World Cup.

Neymar led Santos on its greatest run since Pele stopped playing for the Brazilian club in the 1970s. He helped Santos win the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships, becoming the team's leading scorer in the post-Pele era with 138 goals in 230 matches.