Messi’s Miami move will be a ‘game-changer’ for MLS – Neymar

Talismanic striker Neymar Jr. feels Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will be a game-changer for Major League Soccer. The Brazilian forward, who has the experience of playing with Messi at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, feels the Argentine’s arrival will give a boost to MLS and the league will gain more popularity throughout the world.

Last week, Messi decided to move to Inter Miami after his two-year contract with the Parisians ended.

“I’m certain that Leo is going to change the league in the United States,” Neymar said as quoted by ESPN. “I believe the league will become a lot more popular. So everyone has to take advantage and enjoy watching him play because unfortunately, nothing lasts forever.”

In fact, Messi had offers from his former club, Barcelona but he revealed he didn’t want to go through the same traumatic phase which he had to face during his exit from the Catalan club. Furthermore, the World Cup-winning Argentine had a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal but decided to go to the United States.

Meanwhile, Neymar shared mixed reactions to Messi’s decision to move to Miami. The Brazilian feels Messi will be very happy at Inter Miami, the club which is co-owned by former England skipper David Beckham.

“I’m sad and happy at the same time,” the Brazil forward said. “I already knew. Messi is one of my best friends, a gift that soccer has given me. I had the opportunity to get to know him, to play with him and then, to build a beautiful friendship. So, I knew that he wanted to come here [Miami], and we spoke about it. I told him he was going to be very happy in the city, because of the style of life, the opportunity to come to live and play here in Miami.”

There is no doubt that Messi’s signing is the biggest in the history of Major League Soccer and it will be interesting to note his impact on the league.