Lionel Messi can reap rewards of Phil Neville’s groundwork at Inter Miami

Phil Neville’s work at Inter Miami will prove the foundations for Lionel Messi to build on.

That's the view of Thomas Rongen, a former MLS player and manager who works for Miami radio covering Inter Miami games. Neville was sacked by co-owner and former Manchester United teammate David Beckham last month and has subsequently joined the Canada national team staff as a coach.

Miami are bottom of the Eastern Conference in the MLS and face an uphill battle to reach the playoffs. The Herons are expected to confirm the arrival of Argentina legend Messi in the coming weeks while they have been linked with a host of other big names.

The club are still seeking a new manager, with Messi’s former Argentina and Barcelona boss Tato Martinez expected to takeover.

ALSO READ: Neville lands new job just days after being sacked by Beckham at Inter Miami

And Rongen, speaking to the Manchester Evening News, feels Neville did an admirable job during his two and a half years in difficult circumstances.

“Unfortunately he became a victim, let's be real honest,” he said. “The team he took over was floundering with an unhealthy locker room.

“They had sanctions agains them because they were caught with too many DPs (designated players) that they paid so they couldn't rebuild over the last two years. They have let go of a lot of players and wil continue to do that.

“It is hard for me to judge Phil Neville, I thought he did a great job in setting the right culture and DNA and bringing good players and good people. He has left a very solid foundation.”

Rongen also feels the Messi factor might have played a part in the decision, adding: “I am sure way back when people started talking to Messi that Messi maybe said 'I would love to see an