Photo by BERTRAND GUAY/AFP via Getty Images

Neymar Jr. Teases Lionel Messi Move Outside MLS

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 4:42 PM ET

While Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. will not reunite in Major League Soccer, they remain in constant contact, maintaining a friendship.

The Brazilian said in a recent Kings League Brazil broadcast that Messi might travel to the South American country to attend the Kings League World Cup, with a chance of making it to the semifinals.

There is still no official confirmation of Messi's presence at the Kings League Brazil, but Neymar assured that the Argentine expressed interest in being present for the decisive World Cup games.

Likely, we will finally have that long-awaited reunion between the Brazilian and the Argentine, although, of course, not at Inter Miami as many had hoped.

Neymar was ending his contract with Brazil’s Santos in December 2025, but through an official statement, the club announced the extension of his contract until the end of the 2026 season.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on during the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final match between Inter Miami CF and Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium on December 06, 2025, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

What's Next for Inter Miami & Lionel Messi?

Inter Miami is already working on what will be the 2026 season, in which it will no longer have big names like Jordi Alba or Sergio Busquets.

However, the Herons will continue to build around the undisputed leader of their project, Messi. The club’s priority is to surround the Argentine superstar with the best available talent in the transfer market.

The Argentine extended his contract with Inter Miami until 2028, so the Barcelona legend will remain a key piece both on the sporting side and in promotion for Miami Freedom Park, the club’s new stadium, which is set to open in 2026.

That said, the club’s front office is focused on the sporting side. It aims to provide head coach Javier Mascherano with a roster capable of contending for another MLS Cup and, for the first time, conquering the Concacaf Champions Cup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: