Attention Messi: Sergio Busquets could retire as a professional at the end of the year

Although they arrived together at Inter Miami in 2023 to rekindle the partnership that excelled at Barcelona, the paths of Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets could separate again in the coming months. While the "Pulga" is on track to renew his contract for one more year, the Spanish midfielder is reportedly preparing for his retirement from professional soccer.

The news was reported by journalist Nacho García on the program Tiempo de Juego of Cadena COPE. At 37 years old, Busquets is said to have decided to end a career spanning more than 17 seasons, after making his debut with Barça's first team in 2008 under Pep Guardiola.

Busquets's contract with Inter Miami ends in December 2025; however, at a press conference a few weeks ago, he avoided confirming a renewal, which fueled retirement rumors.

If this possibility materializes, Messi would continue his career in MLS as the leader of Las Garzas's sports project, while Busquets would close the chapter on one of the most successful careers of the recent era of European soccer.

A career full of titles

Busquets played 722 official matches with Barcelona, where he won 32 titles: 9 La Ligas, 7 Copas del Rey, 7 Spanish Super Cups, 3 Champions Leagues, 3 UEFA Super Cups, and 3 Club World Cups.

He was also a key player for the Spain National Team that won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.