Neymar Drops Bombshell: Urges Messi and Inter Miami to Drop Shock Player Before FIFA Club World Cup

In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, Brazilian superstar Neymar has publicly advised his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi and MLS side Inter Miami to exclude a specific player from their squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. His reasoning? “He doesn’t deserve to be in that tournament.”

The explosive comments, made during a recent interview with a Brazilian sports outlet, have sparked massive debate among fans and pundits alike—especially after the identity of the player was revealed. According to Neymar, Inter Miami should leave Josef Martínez out of the squad for the prestigious international competition.

“He doesn’t fit the level” – Neymar’s Verdict

Speaking candidly, Neymar said, “I love Leo like a brother, and I want him to succeed with Inter Miami. But if they’re serious about competing in the Club World Cup, they need to be honest about the level of some players. Josef Martínez is a good player, sure—but that tournament is for the best in the world. Right now, he’s not playing at that level.”

While Neymar did not intend his words to be disrespectful, the comments have been perceived by many as brutally honest. He continued: “The Club World Cup isn’t a friendly tour. It’s elite football. Inter Miami has a chance to prove American clubs can compete globally. But to do that, you need players who can perform under the spotlight, and I’m not sure Josef is that guy right now.”

A Shock to Inter Miami Fans

The reaction from Inter Miami supporters has been a mix of surprise, anger, and reluctant agreement. Josef Martínez, who joined the club from Atlanta United in 2023, has had a rollercoaster season filled with inconsistent form and injury setbacks. While he has scored some crucial goals, his performances have lacked the explosiveness and consistency that made him a star in previous seasons.

Many fans took to social media to defend the Venezuelan forward, citing his contributions to the club’s growth and his chemistry with Messi during key moments. Others, however, acknowledged Neymar’s point, suggesting that Inter Miami might need to prioritize players in better form as they prepare to face elite competition like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Al Ahly.

Inside the Inter Miami Camp

Sources close to the Inter Miami dressing room say Neymar’s comments have not gone unnoticed. Lionel Messi, who serves as both a leader and unofficial sporting advisor for the club, is said to be taking the feedback seriously. While there has been no official response from Messi or the club, insiders suggest that performance-based evaluations will play a major role in squad selection for the Club World Cup.

Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who has previously coached both Messi and Martínez at different points in his career, now faces a difficult decision. Martínez is a veteran with big-game experience, but his form has dipped. Other strikers like Leonardo Campana and young prospect Shanyder Borgelin are pushing for inclusion.

Neymar and Messi: Still Close

Despite the controversy, Neymar’s relationship with Messi remains as strong as ever. The two formed one of the most iconic attacking partnerships in football history during their time at FC Barcelona and remain in close contact. Neymar’s comments, while harsh, appear to stem from a genuine desire to see Messi succeed on the international club stage once again.

“Neymar is never shy to speak his mind,” said one former Barcelona teammate. “He’s fiercely loyal to his friends, especially Messi. If he said that, it’s probably because he believes it’s what’s best for Leo and Inter Miami.”

Josef Martínez Responds

In the wake of the controversy, Josef Martínez responded to Neymar’s comments in a short but pointed Instagram story. “Let the game speak,” he wrote, accompanied by a video of one of his recent goals. He has not made any formal public statements, but sources say he’s fully focused on training and proving his worth to the coaching staff.

Whether or not Martínez is ultimately included in the Club World Cup squad remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Neymar’s comments have ignited a fire under the striker and raised the stakes for everyone at Inter Miami.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

As Inter Miami prepares for the FIFA Club World Cup—the club’s first-ever appearance in the tournament—they find themselves in a whirlwind of media attention. With Messi leading the charge and the team attracting more global eyes than ever, every decision will be scrutinized. Neymar’s words may have stirred controversy, but they’ve also reminded everyone that success on the world stage requires difficult choices.

Pre-tournament friendlies are scheduled in the coming weeks, and all eyes will be on Martínez to see how he responds. A strong performance could silence critics, while further inconsistency might lead to his exclusion from the final squad.