MLS side Inter Miami CF are interested in signing Lionel Messi and former FC Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets when their contracts expire this summer, Inter Miami coach Phil Neville told reporters on Friday.
“We want to bring the best players in the world to this football club. Messi and Busquets are the two who stand out the most in recent years,” Neville told The Times. “They’re great players who would still be a huge asset to this organization. For MLS, it would be a game changer.
“Since I joined Miami, I think we have been linked with all the best players in world football. From Sergio Ramos, Dani Alves, Robert Lewandowski, Willian, Cesc Fàbregas, Luis Suárez…
“We will always be linked with the best players in the world. We had Gonzalo Higuaín and Blaise Matuidi. Now we have the opportunity to bring in new designated players after their retirement.”
A return to Paris Saint-Germain is not out of the question for Messi, with Both sides are reported to be in contact for a possible extension, but in the event that Messi leaves, Inter Miami and FC Barcelona are seen as the most likely destinations for the 35-year-old superstar. Barcelona coach Xavi, another of Messi’s former teammates, recently said the door is “always open” for Messi to return to the club. blaugrana.
Busquets, 34 years old, is still at Barcelona, but has not yet received the contract renewal offer. Xavi is in favor of re-signing the defensive midfielder, he said Sports World.
Both Messi and Busquets are free to negotiate contracts with a new club as their contracts expire this summer.
Inter Miami will open their season against CF Montreal on Saturday at 7:30 PM ET.
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