Neymar predicts Lionel Messi to change MLS: ‘I believe the league will become more popular’

Neymar’s predicted that Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will ultimately be a game-changer for Major League Soccer (MLS), following his former teammate’s free agent move abroad. 

Last week, Messi announced his decision to join David Beckham’s club once his two-year contract with Paris Saint-German (PSG) expires at the end of June.

‘I’m certain that Leo is going to change the league in the United States,’ Neymar told ESPN. ‘I believe the league will become a lot more popular. 

‘So everyone has to take advantage and enjoy watching him because unfortunately nothing lasts forever.’ 

Messi was strongly linked with a return to former club Barcelona, where he won six Ballon d’Or awards and three Champions League titles, as well as a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, where he could’ve linked up alongside Karim Benzema and N’golo Kante.

Neymar (left) claims Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami will be a game-changer for the MLS

Mess will move to the US once his contract with Paris Saint-German expires at the end of June

In the end, however, the Argentine, 35, chose to join the team currently standing in last place of the MLS’ Eastern Conference standings.

Neymar, who crossed paths with Messi at both Barcelona and PSG, is not sure what to make of Messi’s decision, which has already made a huge impact in the US before the World Cup winner even draped on an Inter Miami shirt. 

Tickets to see The Herons in action are either nearly sold out or are being sold at an exorbitant price following Messi’s announcement to leave Europe for South Florida.

Neymar’s in holiday in Miami, watching the Heat play the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals

‘I’m sad and happy at the same time,’ Neymar further said, adding: ‘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 and live and play here in Miami.’ 

The Brazilian forward, who’s love of basketball is well documented among fans, is currently rooting for the Miami Heat during the NBA Finals. 

On Friday, he was spotted in the crowd at Kaseya Center, sitting alongside Brazil teammate and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as the Heat suffered their third loss to the Denver Nuggets in Game 4.

On the other hand, Messi’s headed to international duty with Argentina and was seen having issues with Chinese border control officials in Beijing, where La Albiceleste will take on Australia at Workers Stadium, before playing Indonesia in Jakarta.