Mascherano Rules Out Neymar Move to Inter Miami Due to Salary Cap Constraints

• Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano confirmed that it is “impossible” to consider signing Neymar due to MLS’s salary cap rules.
• Neymar had expressed interest in reuniting with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, but no talks are currently underway.
• Neymar has struggled with injuries at Al-Hilal, playing just seven times since joining in 2023.
• Mascherano, appointed in November to replace Tata Martino, aims to focus on instilling the right mindset and enjoyment in his players, alongside tactical development.

Javier Mascherano, manager of Inter Miami, dismissed the possibility of signing Neymar, citing the limitations imposed by Major League Soccer’s (MLS) salary cap. The Brazilian forward, who previously formed a deadly attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Barcelona, had expressed excitement about the prospect of reuniting with his former teammates in Miami. However, Mascherano made it clear that with MLS’s financial restrictions, such a move was currently unattainable.

“We cannot talk about Ney because we have nothing,” Mascherano said, acknowledging Neymar’s status as a top-tier player but stressing that financial constraints make it impossible to pursue the deal. Neymar, who joined Saudi club Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, has been sidelined for long periods due to injuries, making just seven appearances for his new club.

Mascherano, who took over at Inter Miami in November after Gerardo “Tata” Martino stepped down, also reflected on the team’s approach for the upcoming season. Despite leading Miami to the top of the MLS regular season standings and winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2023, Mascherano emphasized the importance of fostering the right mindset and enjoyment for the players. “Football is about enjoying every training session,” he said, underscoring the need for mental focus alongside tactical preparation.