"It would be a risk for either party" - Ex-MLS star gives his take on a potential Lionel Messi-Neymar Jr linkup at Inter Miami

Former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes Neymar's potential arrival at Inter Miami to join Lionel Messi comes with its pros and cons. He claims the financial aspect is a bonus for the club, but is unsure whether the Brazilian can remain fit.

Speaking to GOAL, Friedel said that Neymar moving to Inter Miami would be a risk for all parties, but there were upsides as well. He admitted that the signing would be a big boost for the league, adding that it was a level below the Brazilian Serie A, which would help the former Barcelona star.

He said:

“I think it would be a risk for either party; I think it just depends on how you would structure the contract. You also have to weigh the pros and cons; when you sign legends of the game like Neymar, you also have to take into account the commercial opportunities that go with it, and it coincides nearly every time with the salary and wage packet that you are going to give.

“You are going to make a substantial amount of money off the field when you bring someone like that in. I think there is probably more of a sporting risk than a commercial risk, or equally so if he does get injured. But if he doesn’t get injured, the risk becomes his age and the injuries he has had, and whether he can be that player [they need].

"The plus side is, it is a league that is a step down from where he is playing. Lionel Messi is the greatest of all time, but he can play many more years in MLS. It is a league that will allow players to do that, so I think Inter Miami need to weigh the pros and cons of what they can earn off the field and try to get it correct. If they can structure the contract correctly, then it limits the risk."

Neymar is under contract at Santos until the end of the season. He terminated his contract at Al-Hilal in the 2024/25 season after having injury issues.

Neymar linked with Lionel Messi reunion at Inter Miami

Neymar is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season and has been linked with several clubs. Inter Miami are one of the teams reported to be interested, as they look to build a squad around Lionel Messi.

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have announced their retirements at the end of the season, leaving the club with space to add more players. Neymar was linked with a move to the MLS club earlier in his career, but he opted to move to the Saudi Pro League and then rejoin Santos.

Neymar has played 206 matches with Lionel Messi at Barcelona and PSG, combining for 67 goals.