Major League Soccer’s strict salary cap regulations have effectively ruled out any possibility of Neymar joining Inter Miami, according to newly appointed head coach Javier Mascherano, despite the Brazilian star’s recent hints about reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
Speaking candidly to media outlets, Mascherano addressed growing speculation about rebuilding the legendary MSN attacking trio in Miami, acknowledging Neymar’s world-class status while emphasizing the practical impossibilities of such a move. “Obviously Neymar is a great player. Every coach in the world wants him, but you know the MLS rules around the salary cap. So for us in this moment, it’s impossible to try to think about him,” Mascherano stated.
The speculation gained momentum following Neymar’s recent interview with CNN Sport, where the 32-year-old forward expressed interest in potentially reviving the formidable attacking partnership that dominated European football during their time at Barcelona. His comments coincided with reports suggesting Al-Hilal might not extend his contract beyond the current term, fueling rumors about his next destination.
Neymar’s potential availability comes at a time when Inter Miami has already assembled an impressive collection of former Barcelona stars, including Messi, Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. This gathering of soccer legends has transformed the MLS club into a potential destination for high-profile players looking to write the final chapters of their careers.
However, Mascherano’s realistic assessment highlights the significant financial constraints that MLS teams operate under, even for a club with Miami’s ambitions and backing. The league’s salary cap structure, designed to maintain competitive balance, presents a substantial obstacle to acquiring players of Neymar’s caliber, regardless of the existing personal connections or mutual interest.
The Brazilian superstar’s current focus remains on his rehabilitation and preparing for a potential final appearance with the national team at the 2026 World Cup. This long-term goal adds another layer of complexity to any transfer discussions, as Neymar would need to carefully consider how his next move might impact his international aspirations.
Miami’s immediate future under Mascherano’s leadership will begin to take shape when they face Club America in a pre-season friendly on January 18. The match will mark Mascherano’s debut as head coach, offering the first glimpse of how he plans to utilize the considerable talent already at his disposal, including the newly arrived Suarez.
The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by MLS clubs in competing for elite international talent. While the league has successfully attracted several high-profile players in recent years, including Messi’s landmark move to Miami, the financial regulations continue to limit clubs’ ability to accumulate multiple superstar players without creative contract structuring.
For fans dreaming of seeing the MSN trio reunited in Miami, Mascherano’s honest assessment serves as a reality check. While the romantic notion of bringing together one of football’s most celebrated attacking combinations might capture imaginations, the practical challenges of MLS’s salary structure make such a move highly improbable.
As Inter Miami continues its evolution under Mascherano’s guidance, the focus will likely remain on maximizing the potential of their current star-studded roster rather than pursuing what appears to be an impossible dream of adding Neymar to their ranks.
