Neymar Jr has recently dropped a significant hint that he’s keen to reunite with his former team-mate Lionel Messi.

The duo played together at Barcelona from 2013 to 2017 as part of the highly coveted MSN (Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar) front three, securing two La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys and the Champions League. After Neymar, the Brazilian winger, left the Catalan giants for Paris Saint-Germain, Messi followed four years later, reuniting with him at the Parc des Princes from 2021 to 2023.

Neymar then transferred to Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal for $98.9m (£76m) in 2023, while Messi joined David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF on a free transfer. Messi has netted 33 goals in 37 games for the Florida-based team, but Neymar’s stint in the Middle East has been far less successful.

The 32-year-old has only played six games for Al-Hilal after suffering a cruciate ligament tear last October, which has kept him out of 53 matches. He only made his return to the pitch as a late substitute in the team’s 5-4 AFC Champions League victory over Al Ain last month.

And rumors are swirling that Neymar might be eyeing a move to join Messi in the US after his contract with Al-Hilal ends next summer. That speculation has been furthered by him reportedly splashing $26m on a prime piece of real estate in Miami’s swanky Bal Harbour neighborhood, an hour’s drive from where Messi lives.

Neymar's stint at Al-Hilal has been far from a dream

Neymar’s stint at Al-Hilal has been far from a dream ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

The plot, stretching an impressive 46 meters, previously featured a home that’s since been torn down, and boasts its own boat dock. Nestled within a secure community, the land comes with ready-to-go plans for a lavish 13,000 square-foot abode, according to the listing.

Bento Queiroz of Compass, the buyer’s agent, remained coy about their identity, but The Real Deal claim Neymar is the man behind the big buy. Messi has previously shared his thoughts on their possible reunion with Infobae, saying: “The truth is that it is difficult now, he is in Saudi Arabia, and he has one more year left on his contract, it seems to me.

“He went through a difficult year, where he was injured for a long time, which has left him out of the Copa America as well. Now it’s difficult. Afterwards, I don’t know, the truth is that life takes so many turns that anything can happen, but I don’t think that today, no.”

Neymar has also previously opened up to ESPN Argentina about his aspirations of reuniting with Messi, admitting: “Hopefully we can play together again. Leo is a great person, everyone knows him in football and I think he is very happy and if he is happy, I am too.”

Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal expires next year while Messi will stay with Miami next season with the option of extending his stay into 2026. Suarez, meanwhile, is believed to be in negotiations to extend his stay in the States, with an MSN reunion potentially on the cards.