Join Messi in Miami, Neymar? Brazilian soccer star is one of the big names watching Game 3 between the Heat and Denver – just hours after his friend confirmed the sensational MLS move
Lionel Messi isn’t the only fan of Miami, as his friend and ex-teammate Neymar was spotted at the Kaseya Center during the NBA Finals on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian forward posed with the Larry O’Brien trophy, warmed up with Jimmy Butler and sat next to fellow football player Paul Pogba on the court as the Heat took on the Nuggets in Game 3.
Neymar’s appearance came just hours after Messi confirmed his intention to join Inter Miami this summer, following PSG’s announcement that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner would be leaving at the end of the season.
Messi’s departure from Paris marked the end of his second stint with Neymar, but there appears to be no resentment between the pair, judging by the latter’s Instagram tribute to his friend.
Neymar warms up with Jimmy Butler before Game 3 of the NBA Finals
Neymar posed with the Larry O’Brien trophy before the Heat and Nuggets tipped
The Brazilian winger sat alongside French midfielder Paul Pogba in the crucial game of Game 3
He wrote, “Brother… it didn’t turn out the way we thought it would, but we tried everything. It was a pleasure to spend two more years with you.
“Good luck in your new phase and be happy. I love you.’
Messi replied that Neymar was a “beautiful person.”
Neymar was not the only well-known name to attend on Wednesday, as rapper J. Cole, producer DJ Khaled and Heat legend Dwyane Wade were also present.
Pop star Shakira, who split from Messi and Neymar’s former Barça teammate Gerard Pique last year, was also in attendance.
Shakira was also present at the game following her split from Barca star Gerard Pique
Rapper J. Cole (white shirt) is seen at the game alongside popular online streamer Adin Ross (left)
Famous producer DJ Khaled was also seen courtside at the game at Kaseya Center
And Heat legend Dwyane Wade was there to support his former team in the NBA Finals
With the NBA season still underway, it looks like Miami will soon be welcoming Messi to the city.
And Tyreek Hill of the Dolphins looks forward to the move and welcomes the Argentinian star in a short video.
“Want to welcome the 305, Lionel Messi,” Hill said in a video posted to Dolphins’ Twitter account.
“Now we have two No. 10s, but I just want to know which one is the fastest. But anyway, congratulations man.’