Over four years since they all stepped onto the pitch as teammates, Brazilian soccer star Neymar may soon join Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez for a reunion in the United States.
In 2013, the 32-year-old joined forces with Messi and eventually Suarez at Barcelona, forming a deadly forward trio in a star-studded team. In 2017, Neymar found himself at Paris Saint Germain – where Messi would join him briefly – before ending up at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
A knee injury kept Neymar sidelined for the past year before he returned on Oct. 21. However, as soon as he suited up for his team, whispers of his likely exit took over with his contract due to expire next year.
With the option to leave for free in the summer, the speculations of his next destination are circulating – Inter Miami being one of the teams in discussion.
In addition to Suarez and Messi, David Beckham’s team also brought Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets on board, creating a roster reminiscent of the 2015 Champions League-winning Barcelona team.
What could hinder a grand reunion in Florida is Major League Soccer’s strict salary limit regulations. However, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino has already addressed the speculation in a press conference.
‘Now that Leo and the rest of the boys have arrived, anything can happen,’ Martino said. ‘What I can’t imagine is if the league doesn’t make the salary issue more flexible, I don’t know how it would go forward.’
‘The rules are strict and can’t be broken unless the MLS decides to change them,’ he continued.
Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth $150million. His contract runs through the 2025 season with an option for 2026.
Upon his arrival, MLS fandom rose and continued to do so with Suarez, Alba, and Busquets’ additions.
Neymar, Messi, and Suarez combined for 364 goals and 173 assists for Barcelona from 2014 through 2017.
Apart from adding star power to the growing league, Neymar could also go back to his roots and join his boyhood club Santos in Brazil. Neymar made his professional debut for the club in 2009 and helped them win their first Copa Libertadores in nearly 50 years in 2011.
From there, he skyrocketed to stardom and Barcelona quickly acquired his services.
Santos’ recent promotion back to the Brazilian top flight was celebrated by their former star, leading to speculations of his return to Vila Belmiro.
‘We are returning to the place where we should never have left,’ the Brazilian wrote on his Instagram following the promotion. Neymar also called a Santos striker during a press conference to celebrate the feat.
Osvaldo Nico, Vice President of the Board of Directors of Santos, appears to be fueling the rumors, claiming ‘[Neymar] arrives in June. That is the conversation we are having.’
Neymar has played in five games for Al Hilal before the Saudi Pro League kicks off on Nov. 8 and runs through May 2025.
