Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville has confirmed that the MLS side are pushing to sign Lionel Messi. The World Cup winner's current contract at Paris-Saint Germain expires in June and faces the possibility of leaving the club.
Messi was expected to pen a new one-year extension with the Parisians, but after leading Argentina to World Cup success in Qatar, it's said that he's had a change of heart. The 35-year-old has now won every competition he's participated in after achieving his 'ultimate dream' and could seek a different challenge at the end of the season.
Plenty of clubs have been linked with a move for the forward, with Inter Miami, Barcelona and Chelsea are said to be keen. The Blues were close to signing the Argentine in 2014, but his father and agent Jorge Messi played a key role in a move to the Premier League falling through.
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However, a move to the MLS is now likely and Messi could be set to follow a number of world-class players to make the switch to the States at the end of their career. David Beckham's Miami have been one of the most interested parties since news that Messi would not extend his stay in France.
Now, Neville has gone on record to admit his desire to bring one of the world's greatest ever players to Miami in an interview with The Times. "I'm not going to deny [it and say] there isn't truth in the speculation that we're interested in Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets," the former Manchester United man said.
"We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club. Messi and Busquets are the two that stand out more in recent years. They're great players who would still be a massive benefit to this organization. For MLS, it would be a game-changer.
"Since I joined Miami, I think we've been linked with every single top player in world football. From Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, Robert Lewandowski, Willian, Cesc Fabregas, Luis Suarez... all of them you can rattle off.
"We're always going to be linked with the best players in the world. We had Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi. Now we've got the opportunity to bring in some new designated players following their retirements."
Inter Miami captain Gregore seconded his coach's stance on Messi. "Why not? I believe it could happen," he said. "Players around the world view MLS as a great league.
"If Messi comes, I would be happy because I like to play with the best and learn from them."
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