Javier Mascherano from Inter Miami Dispels Neymar Rumors

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has revealed his plans to strengthen the squad for the upcoming Major League Soccer season by bringing in new players to support Lionel Messi. However, he dismisses any speculation about Brazilian star Neymar joining the team, considering it "impossible to think about." Recent rumors have suggested that Neymar could reunite with Messi and former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez to recreate the famed 'MSN' front line at Inter Miami. However, Mascherano has poured cold water on these speculations. Neymar, who is currently under contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, has addressed the talk in a recent interview.

"Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends, we still speak to each other,"  Neymar said, according to CNN. 

"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,"

But MLS's salary and squad rules mean that Miami is not currently in the position to add Neymar on a 'Designated Player' contract similar to Messi's deal.

Mascherano said that the realities of the club's squad situation meant that there was currently no possibility to bring in the 32-year-old.

"Obviously, Ney is a great player. Every team in the world wants him. But, at this moment, you know the MLS salary rules. So, for us, it's impossible to think about him right now," said Argentine Mascherano, who played on the same Barca team as the trio.

Mascherano was speaking at an MLS media event in Miami where Suarez was also asked about the potential arrival of his old teammate.

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"Well, obviously everyone knows what Neymar is as a player, what we generated when we were together. Today we are in a different era, much older than we were at the time, but you are always excited to have a player like him and for the quality he can bring to the team," said the Uruguayan.

"Afterwards, as he said and as everyone will say, anything can happen in football, but, well, they are expectations and hopes... but it is difficult and very complicated to make them come true."

While Miami would have to offload some players to open up a spot for Neymar on a high-paying contract, Mascherano has more modest goals.

Miami, which suffered a shock exit at the hands of Atlanta in the first round of the playoffs after dominating the regular season, has sold several defenders since Argentine Mascherano took over from compatriot Gerardo Martino in late November.

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Asked whether he was looking to bring in reinforcements to the back line, Mascherano said: "We are working on that, we are working on that.

"We have had several departures due to loans that have ended, due to some sales, due to people that we have not been able to renew and we are trying to finalise some additions," he said.

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"I have faith and I'm almost certain that in the next few days some of the reinforcements we have asked for will be finalised and from there we can start to shape the squad to be able to start the pre-season."

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)