Lionel Messi will switch to MLS, insists PSG team-mate Neymar, as he reveals they have spoken about his desire to move to Inter Miami… with the Brazilian star telling a close friend he would appreciate it the style of life
Neymar has predicted Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will ultimately be a game-changer for Major League Soccer (MLS), following his teammate’s overseas free agent move.
Last week, Messi announced his decision to join David Beckham’s club when his two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expires at the end of June.
“I’m sure Leo will change the league in the United States,” Neymar said ESPN. “I believe the league will become much more popular.
“So everyone should enjoy it and enjoy watching it because sadly nothing lasts forever.”
Messi was heavily linked with a return to former club Barcelona, where he won six Ballon d’Or awards and three Champions League titles, as well as a move to Saudi club Al Hilal.
Neymar (left) claims Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will be a game-changer for MLS
Mess will move to the United States when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of June
In the end, however, the 35-year-old Argentine opted to join the team that currently sit last in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
Neymar, who crossed paths with Messi at Barcelona and PSG, is unsure what to make of Messi’s decision, which has already had a huge impact in the United States even before the World Cup winner draped himself in a shirt from Inter Miami.
Tickets to see the Herons in action are either nearly sold out or sold out at an exorbitant price following Messi’s announcement to leave Europe for South Florida.
“I’m sad and happy at the same time,” added Neymar, adding: “I already knew that.” Messi is one of my best friends, a gift football has given me.
Neymar is on vacation in Miami, watching the Heat take on the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals
“I had the opportunity to know him, to play with him and then to form a beautiful friendship. So I knew he wanted to come here [Miami], and we talked about it. I told him he was going to be very happy in the city, because of the lifestyle, the opportunity to come and live and play here in Miami.
The Brazilian striker, whose love of basketball is well documented among fans, is currently supporting the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
He was spotted in the crowd at the Kaseya Center on Friday, sitting alongside Brazilian teammate and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as the Heat suffered their third loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 4.
On the other hand, Messi went on international duty with Argentina and had problems with Chinese border control officials in Beijing, where La Albiceleste will face Australia at the Workers Stadium, before playing against the Indonesia in Jakarta.
