Brazilian national team captain Neymar recently opened up about Lionel Messi’s departure from Paris Saint Germain (PSG) and his move to Inter Miami.
In a recent interview on NBA Brazil’s YouTube channel, the midfielder shared his thoughts on Messi’s decision. Neymar and Messi have had a strong bond since their time together at Barcelona, and their friendship continued when Messi joined PSG two years ago after leaving Barcelona.
The Brazilian said:
I am certain that Leo is going to change the league in the United States. I believe the league will become a lot more popular. So everyone has to take advantage and enjoy watching him play because unfortunately, nothing lasts forever.
Neymar described how he felt when he heard that Messi was going to leave PSG as a “bittersweet feeling”.
I am sad and happy at the same time, I already knew. Messi is one of my best friends, a gift that soccer has given me. I had the opportunity to get to know him, to play with him, and then, to build a beautiful friendship. So, I knew that he wanted to come here [Miami], and we spoke about it. I told him he was going to be very happy in the city, because of the style of life, and the opportunity to come to live and play here in Miami. It will be very good but obviously, it was a bit bittersweet to see him leave.
Messi was initially linked with a possible return to Barcelona or a move to a Saudi Arabian club but he decided to join David Beckham in Miami.