Neymar gives the green light to MLS, potentially reuniting with Messi.
Sport reports that Neymar is considering a six-month contract extension with Santos or a move to MLS, where Inter Miami still has a designated player slot, while the 2026 World Cup is approaching.
Neymar is at the biggest crossroads of his career since leaving Europe. According to Sport, the 33-year-old striker has given the green light to a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) just before the 2026 World Cup, opening up the prospect of reuniting with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami. The decision stems from a difficult situation at Santos, where he returned in early 2025 but has yet to rediscover his form.
A turning point ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar returned to Santos in early 2025 after a disappointing spell at Al Hilal. However, this comeback hasn't been smooth sailing: Santos are currently 16th in the league table, just one place above the relegation zone, and Neymar continues to be hampered by injuries. His current contract with Santos expires at the end of December, meaning he will be a free agent from the beginning of 2026.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Neymar is eager to revive his career and compete for a place back in the Brazilian national team under coach Carlo Ancelotti. He has been absent from the national team for over two years since suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury against Uruguay in the World Cup qualifiers, and this is a crucial time to reassert his position.
Two options: stay in Santos for 6 months or move to MLS.
According to Sport, despite having expressed a desire to return to Europe, Neymar has not yet received any concrete interest. He currently has two clear options: extend his contract with Santos for another six months or move to MLS. Neymar's father reportedly wants his son to continue playing for Santos, but with the team struggling to avoid relegation, the future remains uncertain.
Inter Miami and the Designated Player problem
One notable destination is Inter Miami. This is where Neymar could reunite with Messi and Suarez – the trio that terrorized European defenses when Barcelona won the historic treble. Two other former teammates, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, are expected to retire at the end of the year, opening up the possibility for Neymar to become Inter Miami's new Designated Player.
Rodrigo De Paul, currently on loan from Atletico Madrid, is playing for Inter Miami and will occupy another designated player slot. Therefore, the team still has a vacant position that could be filled by Neymar. In terms of key personnel, Messi and Suarez – despite their contracts expiring at the end of the year – are expected to renew theirs.
Tactical perspective if Messi and Suarez reunite.
If Neymar were to join MLS, he could recreate the partnership that defined an entire era for him, Messi, and Suarez at club level: the understanding in short passes, individual skill, and the ability to make a difference in the final third. The Inter Miami team then possessed three attacking personalities who could complement each other in terms of tempo and moment-finding, a factor particularly useful in games requiring quick decisions.
Conversely, balancing the squad and maintaining fitness will be a significant challenge for any chosen approach. However, the presence of Neymar – if it materializes – still promises to significantly increase Inter Miami's tactical depth.
Statistics and milestones
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract status | With Santos serving his sentence until the end of December, he will be free from the beginning of 2026. |
| Year old | 33 |
| Critical injury | A torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the match against Uruguay (World Cup qualifiers). |
| Santos location | Ranked 16th, one place above the relegation zone. |
| Current selection | Extend your contract with Santos for 6 months or move to MLS. |
| Inter Miami (MLS) | Finishing third in the Eastern Conference, they will face Nashville SC in the opening round of the playoffs in a "Best of 3" format. |
| Designated Player | Alba and Busquets are expected to retire; Rodrigo De Paul occupies one spot; one spot remains vacant. |
| The possibility of moving to Serie A. | Sport denies the claim; excluding Inter Milan and Napoli. |
Potential reactions and consequences
Neymar's father reportedly wants him to stay in Brazil, but the harsh realities at Santos leave all possibilities open. On Inter Miami's side, expectations of Messi and Suarez's contract extensions strengthen their squad if the club considers signing Neymar as a designated player.
For Neymar personally, the right destination will determine his chances of returning to the Brazilian national team after more than two years of absence. A timely choice could become a springboard for him to head towards the 2026 World Cup in the best possible condition.
