“We cannot talk about Ney because we have nothing” - Javier Mascherano makes feelings clear about Neymar reunion with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has downplayed talk of the Herons reuniting the trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar in Florida this year. The newly-appointed Argentine is set to take charge of the MLS outfit from the 2025 season, having replaced Gerardo 'Tata' Martino.

Neymar is in the final six months of his two-year contract with Al-Hilal, and his transfer has been a huge disappointment to the Saudi giants, who paid €90 million for him. With many ex-Barcelona stars joining Inter Miami since Lionel Messi's arrival, there has been talk of the Brazil international going the same route.

Javier Mascherano spoke with the press at the MLS Media day, pointing out that a move for the 32-year-old Brazilian is impossible due to the league's salary cap. He completely shut down such talks, just as former coach Martino did to rumors of Angel Di Maria joining the club.

“We cannot talk about Ney because we have nothing. Obviously Ney is a great player. Every coach in the world wants him but at the moment, 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.”

Neymar has made only seven competitive appearances since joining Al-Hilal from PSG in the summer of 2023. The former Barcelona man suffered an ACL and meniscus rupture after just five games as an Al-Hilal player, spending over a year on the sidelines. He then suffered a hamstring problem two games into his return in November 2024, possibly ruling him out until February.

Javier Mascherano played alongside the famed MSN trio at Barcelona, winning the treble together in the 2014-15 season. The former Liverpool man will now coach two-thirds of the group in Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as he looks to build on the success of Martino's final season.

Neymar fans flames of Lionel Messi reunion in Miami

Al-Hilal star Neymar has spoken favorably of possibly joining Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Inter Miami this year. The Brazilian superstar is set to become available for free in six months and is considering his future.

Messi, Suarez, and Neymar formed arguably the most potent attacking trio in recent European football history at Barcelona, scoring 364 goals and providing 173 assists between them. The Brazil international spoke with CNN about the possibility of his playing alongside the duo at Inter Miami, revealing that it is something he would like.

“Obviously, playing again with (Lionel) Messi and (Luis) Suárez would be incredible. They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio. I’m happy at Al Hilal, I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows. Football is full of surprises. When the news came out that I was leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option. The project they offered me (in Saudi Arabia) was very good, not just for me but also for my family, so going to Saudi Arabia was the best option.”

Both Lionel Messi and Neymar left PSG in the summer of 2023 after spending two years together in the French capital. Since then, the Argentine great has gone on to become Inter Miami's record goalscorer and captain, leading the Herons to last year's Supporters Shield title.