# Casemiro relishing chance to play alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Casemiro says he wanted to join Inter Miami so he could play alongside Lionel Messi and help the Argentina forward continue winning.

The Brazil international has moved to the Major League Soccer club as a free agent after his contract with English side Manchester United ended. He said he had several offers before choosing to join the team led by Messi.

“Everyone knows that I had many options after leaving Manchester United,” Casemiro said at a news conference reported by ESPN.

“Many teams wanted to sign me, but of course I wanted to play with the best.”

The 34-year-old added: “I wanted to enjoy playing alongside Messi and help him win.”

Casemiro described Messi as one of football’s greatest figures and said he was looking forward to sharing a dressing room with him.

“He is one of the legends of football, if not the greatest legend of all,” he said. “I want to enjoy his company and continue winning with him.”

Casemiro has signed a contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2027, with an option to extend the agreement through to June 2029.

Messi has returned to Inter Miami training after completing his latest involvement with Argentina at the World Cup. His return comes as the club continue their campaign in the league, with Casemiro now preparing to begin life alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Inter Miami are second in the table with 37 points, two behind leaders Nashville. Their next match is against Columbus Crew on 2 August.

Casemiro arrives in Miami after a period at Manchester United, where his contract came to an end. His move represents a new stage in his career and gives him the opportunity to work with Messi at club level.

The midfielder’s comments made clear that the chance to play with Messi was central to his decision. Although he said that several clubs had been interested in signing him, he chose Inter Miami because of the prospect of sharing the pitch with one of football’s most celebrated players.

His immediate focus will be helping Inter Miami maintain their position near the top of the table. The club sit two points behind Nashville before the meeting with Columbus Crew, while Messi has resumed training following Argentina’s World Cup campaign.