Neymar predicts Lionel Messi switching from MLS: ‘I believe the league will become more popular’
Lionel Messi will change MLS, PSG teammate Neymar insists, revealing they spoke of his desire to move to Inter Miami… with the Brazilian star telling his close friend he would enjoy the lifestyle
Neymar predicted that Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will ultimately be a game-changer for Major League Soccer (MLS), following his former teammate’s move abroad.
Last week, Messi announced his decision to join David Beckham’s club once his two-year contract with Paris Saint-German (PSG) expires at the end of June.
“I’m sure Leo will change the league in the United States,” said Neymar ESPN. “I think the competition will become a lot more popular.
“So everyone should take advantage and enjoy watching him, because unfortunately nothing lasts forever.”
Messi was heavily linked with a return to former club Barcelona, where he won six Ballon d’Or trophies and three Champions League titles, as well as a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, where he played alongside Karim Benzema and Ngolo Kante.
Neymar (left) claims Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will be a game-changer for the MLS
Mess will move to the US once his contract with Paris Saint-German expires at the end of June
In the end, however, the 35-year-old Argentine opted to join the team that is currently bottom of the MLS’ Eastern Conference standings.
Neymar, who crossed Messi at both Barcelona and PSG, isn’t sure what to think of Messi’s decision, which has already made a huge impact in the US before the World Cup winner even wore an Inter Miami shirt.
Tickets to see The Herons in action are either almost sold out or are selling for an exorbitant price following Messi’s announcement to leave Europe for South Florida.
Neymar is on vacation in Miami watching the Heat play the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals
“I am sad and happy at the same time,” Neymar continued, adding: “I already knew. Messi is one of my best friends, a gift that football has given me.
“I had the chance to get to know him, play with him and then build a beautiful friendship. So I knew he wanted to come here [Miami], and we talked about it. I told him he would be very happy in the city, because of the way of life, the opportunity to come and live and play here in Miami.’
The Brazilian forward, whose love of basketball is well documented among fans, is currently cheering for the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
On Friday, he was spotted in the crowd at Kaseya Center, sitting next to 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 headed for international duty with Argentina and ran into trouble with Chinese border control officials in Beijing, where La Albiceleste will face Australia at the Workers Stadium, before playing Indonesia in Jakarta.
