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Casemiro insists he is heading to Inter Miami to "play with the best player of all time" as he prepares to team up with Lionel Messi for the first time.

The Brazilian was a free agent after leaving Manchester United and, despite interest from LA Galaxy, has headed to Miami and waxed lyrical about the excitement he has to play alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Casemiro spent nine years playing with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid, where they combined to win four Champions League titles together. That came at a time when Ronaldo and Messi were playing in the same league, vying for the same titles and individual accolades.

The rivalry became tribal, both on and off the pitch, and no one ever spoke against their team-mate. Now, given he has no club connection to Ronaldo, nor are they compatriots, Casemiro has admitted that he sees Messi as "the God of football".

The Brazilian 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."

The Argentine is having to deal with a second World Cup final loss of his career, but since he and Ronaldo left European football it is Messi whose legacy has been furthered.

He has helped Argentina finally end their World Cup drought and then claimed a second Copa America title of his career. Messi has now led Inter Miami to the MLS title for the first time. He also helped the Florida franchise win the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy and the 2024 Supporters' Shield.

Casemiro was allowed to leave Manchester following the expiry of his contract but ended on a high following an up and down four years in the Premier League. He was initially a big hit, despite questions over his signing given his age profile and wages.

That was used a stick to beat him with when United's form - and his personal performances - nosedived. Casemiro stuck at it though and, during the team's renaissance under Michael Carrick last term, the midfielder came up with numerous big goals as the Red Devils finished third.

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