Neymar Linked With Inter Miami Reunion With Messi and Suárez
Neymar’s Santos contract is approaching its end, with the forward’s future again drawing attention after a difficult return to Brazil and an emotional conclusion to his international career. A possible move to Inter Miami has been discussed, potentially reuniting him with former Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez in Major League Soccer.
The 34-year-old returned to Santos after leaving Al-Hilal, where a serious knee injury had disrupted his time in Saudi Arabia. His second spell with the club has brought intense scrutiny of both his performances and continuing fitness problems, which also limited the impact he hoped to make at the 2026 World Cup.
Career crossroads after Brazil farewell
- Neymar suffered a major knee injury during his Al-Hilal spell in the Saudi Pro League.
- He subsequently departed the lucrative Saudi contract and went back to Santos, the club where his senior career began.
- Further physical setbacks followed in Brazil, as every appearance and absence was closely examined.
- Fitness concerns affected his contribution at the 2026 World Cup, after which Neymar announced his retirement from international football in tears.
- He finished his Brazil career with 130 caps and 80 goals, the national team’s all-time scoring record.
- His Santos agreement is due to run out before the end of the year, leaving a decision over his next club increasingly significant.
A transfer to the United States has been mooted, with Inter Miami presenting the prospect of restoring the celebrated MSN front line. Messi and Suárez are already in Florida, while David Beckham’s club has repeatedly targeted globally recognised names.
Anderson backs Miami switch
Former Manchester United and Brazil midfielder Anderson believes Neymar is likely to choose Inter Miami, arguing that the decision would be driven by football rather than finances.
“I think he will go,” Anderson said. “He does not need money now; it is about finding the right place for him to play.” He also felt that a fully fit Neymar, available throughout the World Cup, could have helped Brazil progress further.
Anderson said Neymar has faced an unusually harsh public debate in his homeland, whatever selection decisions are made around him. He argued that critics question why he is called up, but would also complain if he were left out.
He described Neymar as a player whose standing has not always been properly appreciated in Brazil, pointing to his record for the national side and his career trophies. Anderson cited Neymar’s Champions League, Olympic and Copa América successes, while expressing disappointment that he never won the Ballon d’Or.
Anderson also highlighted Neymar’s time at Paris Saint-Germain, saying the forward’s performances there demonstrated his elite ability and helped raise the French club’s international profile. In his view, Neymar belongs among the leading Brazilian players of his generation despite the absence of a World Cup winner’s medal.
Defence of Neymar’s public image
Beyond football, Anderson defended Neymar against criticism of his lifestyle and character. He said players who earn large sums are entitled to enjoy their wealth, rejecting complaints over luxury purchases such as helicopters or boats.
He also praised Neymar’s charitable work, saying the player provides food for 2,000 children each day from his own resources and raises between 30 million and 40 million each year through his charity. Anderson contrasted that work with the limited attention he believes it receives publicly.
Speaking from his own experience of poverty, Anderson said he understood the importance of family support for Brazilian footballers. He recalled leaving home at 11, living beneath Grêmio’s stadium for two years and sharing accommodation with former Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva.
He credited Neymar’s parents with protecting and guiding his career, saying many young players from poor backgrounds do not have that same structure around them. Anderson maintained that Neymar had earned his success through what he achieved for club and country.
Neymar has long sought to play with freedom and entertain supporters, even as attention around him has intensified. If his Santos stay ends as expected, Miami could offer both a fresh stage and a reunion with Messi and Suárez that would command worldwide interest, despite questions over whether MLS needs another veteran superstar.
