Neymar has publicly responded to reports connecting him with a transfer to Major League Soccer this summer, where a potential reunion with longtime partner Lionel Messi has been the subject of widespread speculation.
According to reports, FC Cincinnati have been exploring the possibility of bringing the 34-year-old Brazilian to the United States ahead of the new MLS season. However, Neymar was measured in his response when addressing the rumours directly. “I honestly don’t know,” he said, indicating that no decision has been reached on his next move.
The forward currently serves as captain at Santos, the Brazilian club he returned to in 2025. His contract with the São Paulo-based side runs until the end of the current year, and Neymar has made clear that he intends to fulfil that commitment before entertaining any discussions about a potential departure.
A move to MLS would inevitably draw comparisons to the celebrated attacking trio Neymar formed alongside Messi and Luis Suárez at Barcelona — widely regarded as one of the most potent forward lines in football history. The pair also played together at Paris Saint-Germain, though their time in France was marked by inconsistency at the club level despite individual brilliance. Messi has been based in Miami since joining Inter Miami CF in 2023, where he has continued to perform at a high level.
Neymar’s availability and fitness, however, remain central concerns. Injury disruption has significantly curtailed his 2026 campaign, limiting him to just eight appearances. Despite that restricted playing time, he has contributed four goals and three assists. His recent years have been marked by a serious knee injury and an anterior cruciate ligament problem sustained during his spell at Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, setbacks that have raised questions about his durability at the highest level.
Beyond club football, Neymar has reportedly set his sights on representing Brazil at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Returning to full fitness ahead of that tournament appears to be the primary focus for the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona attacker.
With his Santos contract expiring at the end of 2026, the summer transfer window could present a clearer picture of Neymar’s intentions. For now, any link to MLS — and the possibility of rekindling his partnership with Messi — remains speculative, with the player himself offering little clarity beyond acknowledging the uncertainty.
