Inter Miami boss Phil Neville has suggested that a move for Lionel Messi could be in the works - and the club’s captain also admitted that a swoop for the Argentina star “can happen”.
The MLS outfit have been linked with a swoop for the former Barcelona forward for some time with his current Paris Saint-Germain contract set to expire this upcoming summer. He only penned a two-year deal with the French giants having arrived from Barcelona due to the Spanish side’s financial woes.
Following his starring performances at the Parc des Princes this season - as well as his inspirational showings at the World Cup - PSG are understandably keen to tie him down to an extended deal. However, Miami boss Neville has suggested that his side could potentially be in the running for Messi’s signature but has warned that a deal is “complicated”.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 2023 MLS season getting underway, the former Manchester United defender said: "For us, the landscape’s not changed at all. With any deal for any DP [designated player] of the level you’re talking about is complicated, it takes time.
"Rest assured we’re working every second of every day to bring in the best players, and I think he’s [Messi] one of the best.“
Meanwhile, Inter Miami captain Gregore also weighed in on the prospect of lining up alongside the Argentine sensation in MLS. "It can happen," the Brazilian midfielder said.
Where do you think Messi will be playing next season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“If Messi comes, I'll be really happy. Imagine working with Messi. Why not?" Messi, now 35, has been in sensational form for PSG this season following a tricky debut season in the French capital. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 12 goals and notched 14 assists in 19 appearances in all competitions ahead of the World Cup break.
He took that form into the tournament having scored six goals in Qatar to win the Golden Ball, as well as the trophy itself. During the World Cup, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi confirmed his intentions to open talks with Messi and was optimistic of the forward staying with the club.
As quoted by RMC Sport, he said: “I think that if both want to extend the contract, he will stay. We are going to talk after the World Cup, but I confirm a thousand times he is very happy at the club, he’s having a great season, he’s adapted to French football. I think he wants to stay.”
Whilst Inter Miami have been linked on numerous occasions with a swoop for Messi, his former club Barcelona having regularly reiterated their desire to take the Argentine back to the Camp Nou before the end of his career.
