Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal is coming to an end soon, and at this crucial moment, the Brazilian football icon has sparked speculation about a potential reunion with his former Barcelona teammates. He has hinted at a possible meeting with football stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. The celebrated trio is known for forming one of the most formidable attacking partnerships in football history, leading Barcelona to a treble in 2015.
Neymar’s recent comments about a potential reunion have fueled much anticipation among fans and sparked discussion in the sports industry. This meeting at Inter Miami might rekindle the old magic, especially as the MLS club has already attracted Messi.
The Renowned Trio
In an interview with CNN, Neymar highlighted the prospect of playing alongside Messi and Suárez once again. He hinted at a possible reunion, which he believes could be “incredible” for both himself and his former teammates.
“Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suárez would be incredible. They are my friends, we still speak to each other,” Neymar said. “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.”
This statement sheds light on a new chapter in Neymar’s career, especially with his current contract at Al-Hilal set to expire in June 2025. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Neymar’s excitement about reuniting with Messi and Suárez suggests a possible move to Miami.
Al-Hilal and Injuries
Since joining the Saudi Pro League in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of €90 million, Brazilian superstar Neymar has been plagued by injuries that have troubled his career. The 32-year-old featured in just seven outings for Al-Hilal, as injuries kept him sidelined for extended periods. These injury woes have further fueled speculation about his future after this club, as he nears the end of his current deal.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, Neymar spent six successful years playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He scored an impressive 118 goals and secured several domestic trophies. However, despite his brilliance, Neymar never won a Champions League title with the French club—a notable absence from his otherwise illustrious career.
Reasons to Choose Saudi Arabia
Discussing his decision to join Al-Hilal, Neymar explained that the opportunity to move to Saudi Arabia was the best option at the time. He had already planned to leave PSG when the window for MLS submissions had closed, making a move to Inter Miami impossible.
“When the news came out that I was leaving Paris St Germain, the transfer window was closed in the United States, so I didn’t have this option,” Neymar shared. “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.”
Despite his commitment to Al-Hilal, Neymar’s enthusiasm for playing alongside Messi and Suárez again suggests a possibility of joining an exciting project in the United States in the near future.
Neymar’s World Cup Dreams
Apart from club football, Neymar is aiming for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is determined to make the most of what may be his last opportunity to secure the prestigious title. As Brazil’s all-time top scorer with a record of 79 goals, Neymar remains a prominent and reliable figure for his national team in their pursuit of World Cup glory.
“I will try, I want to be there. I will do everything I can to be part of the national team,” Neymar said. The Brazilian football icon is resolved to represent his country at the World Cup, even while recovering from a serious knee injury. In the October 2023 World Cup, he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus, which kept him out of the field temporarily.
The South American qualifiers have six rounds to go and Brazil currently sits in fifth place on the table. Neymar’s return could turn out to be a defining moment for Brazil’s World Cup dreams. “I know this be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it,” Neymar said, emphasizing his determination to seize what could be his final opportunity on the biggest stage.