Lionel Messi Faces Potential Loss of Key Teammate as Inter Miami Star Hints at Retirement

Under Lionel Messi’s leadership, Inter Miami is enjoying success in MLS and has reached the Leagues Cup semifinals. However, one significant player may exit when his contract ends.

This player is Sergio Busquets. The 37-year-old midfielder is nearing the final year of his contract, and with no news on an extension, questions about his future in MLS have grown.

At a press conference ahead of Inter Miami’s semifinal match against Orlando City, Busquets discussed the uncertainty of his career but emphasized that returning to Europe is not in his plans—and he didn’t dismiss the idea of retiring from professional soccer.

“When I left Barça, I already knew I wouldn’t be going back to Spain or Europe. And at this age, I’m closer to the end of my career than the beginning. For now, nothing is official regarding a renewal or retirement,” Busquets stated.

Busquets joined Inter Miami in 2023 following Messi’s arrival, quickly becoming a key player in the Argentine-led effort. Later, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba also joined, further bolstering a lineup that includes players who previously thrived together at Barcelona.

Busquets on his Designated Player status

The midfielder also suggested he might give up his Designated Player (DP) status to stay with Inter Miami. The current DP slots are filled by Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Busquets himself, with Alba recently promoted to this status after Leonardo Campana’s departure and contract renewal in May.

“Yes, obviously [I wouldn’t play as a Designated Player]. It’s clear that the conditions would change since the three spots for each team in this league are already taken,” Busquets explained.

As Inter Miami pushes for trophies, all eyes will be on Busquets’ next move and whether one of Messi’s closest allies will be part of the team next season.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist fluent in English and Spanish, with expertise in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US, establishing himself as a writer. Over his career, Gianni has covered major sports events, including the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tournaments like the French Open. His ability to report on real-time events and perform under pressure has made him a valuable asset to a top-tier journalism team. In 2024, he joined Bolavip US, covering a wide range of sports, including European soccer, MLS, and the NBA.