Neymar, Lionel Messi

Neymar reveals recent discussions with Lionel Messi regarding potential Inter Miami move

Arnav Kholkar

Neymar has added to speculation about his transfer after recently revealing discussions he had with former teammate Lionel Messi regarding a move to MLS side Inter Miami.

The Brazilian superstar switched Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for Al Hilal for a reported €90 million in August 2023. However, his first season for the Saudi giants was cut short after Neymar suffered a torn cruciate ligament injury back in October.

Prior to that, he made just five appearances for Al Hilal, scoring one goal and providing three assists. Now, speculation about Neymar re-uniting with former PSG and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi has now begun to gather momentum.

Neymar, Al Hilal
Neymar in action for Al Hilal. (Credit: Getty)

Messi joined the Miami-based club in June 2023 following the expiration of his contract with PSG. It was no co-incidence that Neymar left the Parisians just a few months later. Now, former Barca players Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez have joined Inter Miami as well. This could tempt Neymar for a reunion.

Other factors could also play a part in this move materializing. The main one being Neymar’s injury record, with several different injuries hampering his consistency in recent years. His latest injury has also led Al Hilal to de-register him to sign defender Renan Lodi in January.

In the wake of these developments, Lionel Messi has backed Neymar to make the move to the MLS. The latter revealed, via Managing Barca:

“I have spoken with Lionel Messi, he said he wants me to come to Inter Miami.”

Al Hilal will resume their Saudi Pro League season as they will host Al Raed on Sunday, February 18. They are currently first in the league and have a seven-point lead over second-placed Al Nassr. Inter Miami, on the other hand, will kickstart the 2024 MLS season as they host Real Salt Lake on Thursday, February 22.

It will be interesting to see the timing of Neymar’s potential move, should it materialize.

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