Sergio Busquets, the quiet engine who has quietly powered some of the biggest teams in modern football, confirmed on Thursday that he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign. The 37‑year‑old, who last donned the Inter Miami shirt alongside Lionel Messi, said he will step away once his contract expires, putting a final full stop on a career that spans almost twenty seasons at the top.
Busquets' career in a nutshell
Born in Sabadell, Catalonia, Busquets rose through La Masia, Barcelona’s famed academy, and broke into the first team in 2008 under Pep Guardiola. Over 18 seasons he amassed more than 700 appearances, collecting nine LaLiga crowns, three UEFA Champions League trophies and seven Copa del Rey medals. His role was never flashy – a deep‑lying playmaker who let the ball roll between his feet while keeping an eye on the opposition’s moves – but his intelligence made Barcelona’s tiki‑taka style tick.
Internationally, Busquets was a cornerstone of Spain’s golden generation. He helped the nation lift the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, often partnering with rival‑turned‑teammate Sergio Ramos in midfield. Those years cemented his reputation as one of the most tactically astute defensive midfielders of his era.
When he moved to MLS in 2023, many thought he was winding down a final chapter. Instead, Busquets arrived with the same hunger, instantly linking up with Messi to give Inter Miami a tactical edge that rival clubs struggled to match. His calm presence on the pitch, combined with crisp passing, helped the club clinch its first playoff berth and raise the league’s profile worldwide.
What his exit means for Inter Miami and Messi
The timing of Busquets’ departure is uncanny. Messi, now 38, has repeatedly hinted that his days on the field are numbered. Earlier this year he said his home qualifier against Venezuela on September 4, 2025, would be "a very special match" and possibly his last on Argentine soil. That statement, coupled with Busquets’ retirement announcement, fuels speculation that the duo could part ways within months.
For Inter Miami, losing a player who acts as a midfield anchor and a cultural bridge between the Argentine star and the rest of the squad is a major blow. The club will need to find a replacement who can dictate tempo the way Busquets did, while also maintaining the locker‑room harmony that has been a hallmark of their recent success. Some analysts predict the team may look to a younger MLS talent or opt for a seasoned European veteran willing to adapt to the American game.
Fans have already taken to social media to express their gratitude. Barcelona’s official account labeled Busquets a "legend" and posted a montage of his most iconic moments, while former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos praised him as "the definition of excellence dressed in humility". The outpouring of respect underscores how rare it is for a player to earn admiration across bitter rivalries.
Beyond club implications, the simultaneous exit of two of football’s most recognizable faces would signal the end of an era for the sport itself. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is set to feature Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador as qualifiers. If Messi decides to skip the tournament after his home qualifier, the event loses one of its biggest marketing draws. However, his potential absence could also open the door for emerging Argentine talents to step onto the world stage.
As the MLS season progresses, every match will be scrutinized for hints about how both players plan to bow out. Will Messi stay for another season to chase a final trophy in the US? Will Busquets appear in a farewell match at the Estadio Monumental alongside his national team hero? The answers remain unwritten, but the football world is watching with bated breath.
- Busquets’ career stats: 700+ club appearances, 130+ caps for Spain, 3 Champions League titles.
- Key honors: 9 LaLiga, 3 UEFA Champions League, 3 UEFA European Championships, 1 World Cup.
- Inter Miami impact: 15+ assists, 5 clean sheets contributed to in 2023‑24 season.
- Messi’s upcoming milestones: final home qualifier on 4 Sep 2025, potential 2026 World Cup participation.
The next few months will likely see a flurry of statements from club officials, player representatives and perhaps even a joint interview where the two friends reflect on their shared journey—from the Camp Nou to Miami’s sunshine. Until then, the conversation about the future of Inter Miami and the legacy of two football icons continues to dominate headlines across the globe.
