MLS side Inter Miami REFUSE to give up hope of signing Lionel Messi from PSG
>
‘Takes time… we have interesting moves to make’: Inter Miami REFUSES to give up signing PSG’s Lionel Messi as manager Phil Neville says ‘the landscape hasn’t changed’ after leading Argentina to World Cup glory world Cup
- Inter Miami is interested in bringing Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer
- But after his World Cup glory, Messi is said to be leaning towards staying at PSG.
- But Miami coach Phil Neville was optimistic about the chances of signing Messi.
- Miami captain Gregore also spoke about the possible move to bring in Messi.
Inter Miami coach Phil Neville has refused to rule out a sensational move to bring World Cup winner Lionel Messi to Major League Soccer.
Miami and Messi seemed close to a deal last year, as Sportsmail reported on November 27, but it is now believed that the Argentine hero prefers to extend his time in Paris after starring in the World Cup in Qatar. His current contract with French heavyweight Paris Saint-Germain expires at the end of the European club’s season.
Speaking on Monday as his team returned to pre-season training, manager Neville was inevitably asked if a move for Messi could really materialise.
“We want to bring the best players in the world to this club and he is probably the best player so for us the picture hasn’t changed at all,” Neville said.
Inter Miami does not lose hope that it could sensationally sign Lionel Messi
Miami manager Phill Neville said Inter “want to bring the best players in the world to this club.”
‘With any deal for any DP (Designated Player) at that level, it’s complicated. It takes time.’
Neville faced the media alongside Miami captain Gregore, who also did little to downplay Messi.
‘Why not? I think it could happen,” she said. “Players all over the world see MLS as a great league.
If Messi comes, I would be happy because I like to play with the best and learn from them.
Messi, 35, is paid around $1.45 million a week in France and would need a pay cut to join David Beckham’s team.
He would still hope to be the highest paid soccer player in the United States, and the move would be a great opportunity for Messi to continue building his brand.
Miami heads into the 2023 season in need of a new forward after Gonzalo Higuain retired at the end of the 2022 campaign.
It looks like a deal could be close for Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez – Neville praised the 29-year-old.
Messi returns to training with Paris Saint-Germain after Argentina’s World Cup victory in December.
Messi’s current contract expires in the summer, but now he could stay another year in France
‘I like him. He has always scored goals for us,’ said Neville. ‘There are certain players who make a big impression from pitch level, and Josef is one.
“He’s a machine, he’s hungry, he scores goals and he doesn’t need many chances. We have some interesting moves to make, but I love the team we have now.
Miami, which reached the playoffs last year, opens its season on February 25 against Montreal.
Messi, for his part, returns to training with PSG after Argentina’s triumph in the World Cup.