Casemiro says he rejected several offers from around the world to join Inter Miami and play with “the God of football”, Lionel Messi.
The 34-year-old Brazil international left Manchester United in June when his contract expired and says he based his decision on moving to Major League Soccer on the opportunity to play with his fellow South American.
Casemiro, who has signed an initial 12-month deal with the option for a further two years, said: “For me, without a doubt, I am coming only to play with the best player of all time.
“I want to enjoy, I want to help him to keep winning because he is a winner. Another player is joining who wants to win, who wants to compete.
“I am where I want to be in MLS. I left United as a free agent, I had options in Italy, other teams in different places, but I am where I want to be … I want to enjoy being with him, helping him win and making him bigger. He’s one of, if not the god of football and I want to help.”
I dreamed of playing with Messi – Casemiro
Casemiro has experience of playing against Messi when the pair were rivals at Real Madrid and Barcelona and is now relishing the chance to help Miami clinch more silverware. Since Messi joined from Paris Saint-Germain, the Floridian club have won the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and 2025 MLS Cup.
They are currently second in the Eastern Conference.
“The amount of problems Messi gave me, of course I dreamed of playing with him,” added Casemiro, who made his Miami debut in the 1-0 win at CF Montreal on Saturday.
“I always wanted to play with the best. I could never stop him, I always needed help from my team-mates. I am very happy that I am now with him, and I want to keep winning with him.”
Messi is back in Miami and regaining full fitness after an extended break following Argentina’s run to the World Cup final where they lost 1-0 to Spain.
He won’t be considered when Miami face the Columbus Crew this weekend.
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