“Want to Play in the United States” – After Lionel Messi Mania Attracted American A-Listers, Neymar Jr Reveals His Wish to Play in the MLS

Lionel Messi once again delivered a standout performance during an MLS game night. While there were speculations before the Inter Miami vs. LAFC match regarding Messi’s availability, the Argentine not only played but also shone brilliantly. As has been the trend for the past two months, numerous renowned individuals gathered to witness the phenomenon known as Messi Magic. Following Messi’s heroics in the US, his former teammate Neymar Jr expressed his desire to join the MLS.

A-listers like Selena Gomez, LeBron James, Leonardo DiCaprio, Duke of Sussex Harry, Owen Wilson, and Edward Norton came to watch the wizard at work on his first MLS game in LA.

Neymar Jr. opens up about his desire to join the MLS

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr. has also shifted away from the European soccer scene, joining Al-Hilal in a contract valued at $418 million. In a recent interview, the Brazilian superstar revealed his wish to play in the US. The Al Hilal player also spoke about his move to the Saudi Pro League and the new stage in his career.

He said, “I can’t say if I would do that or not, I don’t know, it depends a lot on the moment you’re living, your choices, what you want. I still have the dream of playing in Brazil again; I want that, at some point, I’ll come by again. I also wanted to play in the United States.”

“These are two leagues that I really want. Arabia? I don’t know, it depends. It depends on everything, how you are with your family, your life, and then you can decide what moment is right for you,” he added.

Neymar has been vocal about his intention to return to Santos in Brazil, the very club where his meteoric rise to stardom began. In 2017, Neymar made headlines with a record-breaking transfer to PSG. Four years later, Messi, after contractual issues at Barcelona, the Argentine also made his way to Paris on a free transfer.

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Yet, Messi’s stay at PSG was far from joyful, and Neymar’s remarks stirred up quite the storm. 

Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. lived through hell in Paris

The saga began in 2011 when Qatari Sports Investment assumed ownership of PSG, bringing lofty ambitions. On the domestic front, PSG established an iron grip. Still, their European aspirations remained elusive despite a flurry of high-profile acquisitions. 

Messi‘s arrival brought immense excitement, but the puzzle pieces didn’t quite fit. In late 2022, La Pulga celebrated a career highlight with Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar. And his PSG exit left a sour taste. Neymar didn’t hold back in expressing his belief that Messi deserved better. He expressed his feelings, saying, “We lived through hell in Paris.”

Neymar has not yet made his debut in the Saudi Pro League. He is currently in the process of recovering from ankle surgery. The 31-year-old has faced persistent injuries and has not participated in a match since February.

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