Neymar's MLS return considered with 'close friend' Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has addressed speculation that Neymar could be set to join forces with Lionel Messi at the MLS club after reportedly purchasing a property in the city

Rumours are swirling around Brazilian football sensation Neymar after he splashed out on a swanky property in Miami, sparking whispers of a potential move to join forces with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. The 32-year-old has reportedly dropped a cool $26 million (£20 million) on a sprawling 13,000-foot waterfront pad in the posh Bal Harbor area.

Despite currently playing for Saudi team Al-Hillal, where injuries have limited his appearances since his 2023 transfer, the buzz about his future is growing.

Inter Miami's gaffer Tata Martino, who previously managed Neymar during the 2013-14 season at Barcelona, has urged fans not to get ahead of themselves, though. "Now everyone who buys a house in Miami is coming? " he quipped.

He acknowledged the allure of having Messi and co. in the squad but pointed out the logistical hurdles, saying, "With Leo and the boys here, anything is possible. But what I can't imagine is if the league doesn't make the salary issue more flexible, how it would be carried out."

Martino also highlighted the need for additional support when discussing such high-profile transfers, adding, "It seems to me that when we talk about this, another type of support is needed. We cannot talk or mention a player because he bought a house here or has a girlfriend from Fort Lauderdale."

Neymar's time at Barcelona, particularly when part of the formidable "MSN" attacking trio with Messi and Suarez from 2014-2017, was nothing short of legendary: they clinched two La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, and the 2015 Champions League together.

Neymar first joined Barcelona in 2013 under Martino's leadership, just before Suarez came on board, and despite racking up 87 points, they narrowly missed out on the league title to Atletico Madrid on the season's final day.

Former FC Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino reminisced about starting at the club alongside Neymar, saying: "My start at Barcelona coincided with Ney's," and highlighting the quality of that experience by adding, "It was a good year. To be able to coach players of that caliber always will be a special memory."

He weighed in on Inter Miami’s roster challenges mentioning their three designated player spots are full — having Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Leonardo Campana — leaving no room for Neymar under current rules (Suarez is categorized differently as an International Player). “The reality is that if there is something that the MLS has, it is that the rules are strict and can't be broken unless the MLS decides to change,” Martino elaborated.

As Inter Miami prepares for their subsequent match with Atlanta United — Martino's old squad — they are buoyed by a previous victory where Suarez secured an early lead with a goal in the second minute, culminating in a 2-1 win.

They look forward to the next clash in Atlanta on Sunday; a win would pitch them against either Orlando City or Charlotte FC in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The scoring prowess within the team is notable — with Suarez tying for second with 21 regular season goals and Messi closely behind in4 fourth with 20, while DC United's ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke topped the chart with 23.