Inter Miami handed boost in Neymar chase as Lionel Messi eyes reunion - Reports
Inter Miami have received a boost in their plans to reunite Lionel Messi and Neymar. According to journalist Abdullah Al-Hanayan, Al-Hilal are yet to initiate renewal talks with the Brazilian forward.
The player's contract with the Saudi Arabian club expires at the end of this season. He moved to the Middle East in the summer of 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) but has struggled with injuries so far. The 32-year-old has registered just seven appearances across competitions for the Riyadh-based club to date, scoring one goal and setting up three more.
Speaking on Al Arabiya FM (as cited by Inter Miami News), Al-Hanayan said Al-Hilal could hand the Brazilian a new deal, though they are yet to initiate renewal talks.
“According to the information I have, the subject has not been raised yet, although Neymar’s renewal is very possible, especially with how important Neymar is to Al-Hilal away from the field. It is possible he will renew his contract for a third year, but Neymar’s return to Al-Hial’s roster is still in doubt,” Al-Hanayan said.
Despite his struggles in the Middle East, Inter Miami are reportedly planning to reunite the player with Lionel Messi. La Pulga shared the pitch with the Brazilian during their time together at Barcelona as well as PSG.
At Camp Nou, the two of them forged the famous 'MSN' trio with Luis Suarez. With the Uruguayan already on their roster, the Herons apparently want to unleash the fabled trident on the MLS.
How many games have Lionel Messi and Neymar played together?
Lionel Messi has shared the pitch with Neymar on 206 occasions for Barcelona and PSG. The duo won 149 of those games while losing 30.
The MSN trio operated for three seasons at Camp Nou with huge success, winning every trophy possible. They scored 363 goals in total during that period.
It is no wonder Inter Miami want to reunite the three superstars in Florida. The Herons finished at the top of the Eastern Conference Table this season in the MLS.
They also registered the most points (74) in a single league season. However, Inter Miami failed in their pursuit of the MLS Cup and were knocked out of the first round by Atlanta United.
Lionel Messi finished the campaign with 23 goals and 13 assists from 25 games. Luis Suarez, meanwhile, found the back of the net 25 times and set up 12 more from 37 games this season.