Inter Miami coach reacts to intensified Lionel Messi links

Reports have emerged of the Argentine’s interest in moving to MLS.

Inter Miami manager Phil Neville has dismissed rumours around Lionel Messi’s possible move as “hypothetical”.

Messi will become a free agent after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires next summer.

Widespread reports in the Spanish media have claimed the Argentine will decide on his next transfer after World Cup.

Inter Miami have emerged as a possible destination for the 35-year-old, while Barcelona are keen to reunite with the club legend.

Asked about his side’s possible move for Messi, Neville said: “I think that’s hypothetical really. The best player in the world, I’m looking forward to seeing him play at the World Cup, alongside other great players.

“We actually let him inside our house about five, six weeks ago, when Argentina were here. I watched all the sessions to see those great players on our pitch one and pitch two. It was something really special for the club.

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“And I think when you talk about characters, when you talk about humility, when you talk about the right type of people, that Argentinian squad and staff were absolutely incredible. Incredible towards our football club.

“We had a little scrimmage against them, the MLS 2 [MLS Next Pro] side, you obviously saw the pictures of their players signing autographs; signing arms, signing legs, signing shoes. It was just the most incredible week.

“I think we’re really lucky here. We’ve had Barcelona here, we’ve had Argentina here. We’ve got the US national women’s team here now, some of the players are training out there now. It’s brilliant for this football club, and it shows the level of facility that we’ve got.

“I’m not going to speculate on any kind of transfer activity. But what I would say is that is exactly the type of character that I saw in that week, that those Argentinian players were a credit to their country, and to their profession.”