Neymar spotted in Miami hours after Lionel Messi confirms transfer to MLS club

08 June 2023 , 03:29

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Neymar sits courtside in Miami for Game 3 of the NBA Finals

Neymar attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals to support Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. Ironically, the Brazillan forward's arrival in the city came shortly after Lionel Messi announced himself as Inter Miami's latest addition.

Inter Miami and MLS fans are already eagerly anticipating the arrival of Messi at DRV PNK Stadium. During a tell-all interview, the Barcelona legend detailed his exit from PSG, why a move back to La Liga didn't work, and the desire to tackle new challenges in America.

MLS stakeholders revealed that the organisation was creative in enticing the legend to the USA, offering contributions from Apple and Adidas - two companies with ties with the MLS and Messi. Making a significant effort to lure Messi into the league could also raise the attention of other high-profile players like Neymar, who previously spent four years as the Argentine's Catalonian teammate.

Re-uniting for two more years at PSG, the Brazil superstar previously revealed that Messi was his football idol. "Facing Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – and I played with Messi, who is, for me, one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he is my idol in football, " said Neymar said to Players' Tribune.

"With Messi, I learned every day, whether during our practice, playing with him, or just watching him play. And that made me stronger, and it increased my capacity on the field because I kept learning a lot from him.

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According to Capology, Neymar's current contract with PSG expires in 2025, with an option of extending the deal another 12 months. Additionally, he's set to earn over $60 million per year for the duration of his deal.

Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi embrace each other after linking up for a goal at PSG. (Getty)

Neymar was linked with a potential move toward Old Trafford but has been brutally told he has a "zero per cent" chance of joining the Red Devils this summer by talkSPORT'S Gabby Agbonlahor. United manager Erik Ten Hag voiced sternly that any speculation involving transfer business with the club will be given, rather than fans or media needing to guess future plans.

Inter Miami are still in the process of adding more established players to their roster. Messi's Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria has also been mooted to join.

Neymar is also good friends with Heat star shooting guard Jimmy Butler. Before tip-off, the pair of friends were spotted at Swan Restaurant in Miami's design district with a star-studded group that included J.Cole.

Rory Robinson