**Martino Dismisses Neymar Rumors, Points to MLS Restrictions**

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo Martino has put to rest the swirling rumors about Brazilian star Neymar joining the team, citing Major League Soccer's (MLS) stringent roster and salary limitations as major obstacles. Despite tantalizing speculation fueled by Neymar's recent purchase of Miami real estate, Martino insists that current regulations make such a transfer unfeasible.

Neymar, currently under contract with Saudi Pro League's Al Hilal until the summer of 2025, has been a subject of interest for Inter Miami ever since the Florida-based club signed his former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets last year. Yet, Martino, who coached Neymar during his tenure at Barcelona, made it clear that talk alone cannot alter the strict rules governing MLS operations.

"With Messi and the boys already here, anything can happen. But without a change in the league's salary rules, it's impossible to bring Neymar here," Martino told reporters on Friday. "Writing or talking about it in the media is easy; making it happen within MLS regulations is another story."

Speculation about Neymar skyrocketed earlier this week following reports he had bought a waterfront home in Miami. Martino, however, dismissed the notion that such a purchase could be linked to a potential contract with Inter Miami. "If we started linking every home purchase to a player transfer, it would be absurd," he said.

Addressing the impracticality of connecting personal life decisions to professional moves, Martino emphasized the need for concrete possibilities supported by league rules. "This type of talk requires more than just speculation. Today, given the current MLS framework, such a deal is impossible," he asserted.

Shifting attention from transfer rumors to more pressing matters, Martino spoke about Inter Miami's upcoming playoff match against Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. The team must secure a win to advance to the conference semifinals. Should they lose, a decisive third match is scheduled for November 9 at Chase Stadium.

There is also uncertainty around the availability of midfielder Sergio Busquets for Saturday's game. Martino disclosed that Busquets remains ill and his condition is being monitored daily. Despite playing a significant role in last Friday's 2-1 victory over Atlanta, Busquets hasn't been able to train this week. “He is still sick, and we will see if he is available for tomorrow's match,” Martino mentioned.

Apart from Busquets, Martino confirmed that David Ruiz and Ian Fray are also sidelined, but the rest of the squad is fit and ready for the critical upcoming match.