Neymar Jr, of Paris Saint-Germain, stated he knew Lionel Messi was going to join MLS club Inter Miami and expected that the top flight in the United States is set to change because of the popularity the Argentine will attract.
Messi, 35, announced on Wednesday that he will leave PSG when his contract ends at the end of this month.
On Sunday, in a recent interaction with ESPN Brazil, Neymar said, “I already knew… Messi is one of my best friends, it’s a gift that football has given me to have the opportunity to meet him, play with him and then establish such a beautiful friendship.”
“I told him he’s going to be very happy for the city, for the lifestyle and for the opportunity to live and play here in Miami. He added, “I’m sure Leo is going to change the league in the United States. I think the league is going to be much more popular, so everybody has to take advantage and enjoy watching him play, because unfortunately nothing lasts forever,” he added.
The former Barcelona and PSG teammate of Messi paid a visit to basketball star Jimmy Butler in Florida before Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday.
Butler, a six-time NBA All-Star, also expressed excitement about Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami and believes the Argentine World Cup champion will benefit US football greatly.