Sep 24, 2025; New York, NY, New York, NY, USA; Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets (5) controls the ball during the second half against New York City at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images

Sergio Busquets, the Spanish World Cup champion and first former FC Barcelona star to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season.

Busquets, considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the sport’s history, ended speculation about his playing career with an announcement late Thursday Sept. 25. He called Barcelona “the club of my life,” while thanking the Spanish national team and Inter Miami in an Instagram video.

“I feel like it’s time to say goodbye to my career as a professional soccer player. It has been almost 20 years of enjoying this incredible story that I always dreamed of. Soccer has gifted me unique experiences in wonderful places, with the best travel companions,” Busquets said.

“Thank you to Inter Miami for letting me be part of a new and growing club, where I wanted to live a new experience and contribute my part,” Busquets added.

Busquets, 37, has played in 718 matches for club and country in his career – winning three Champions League titles and nine La Liga titles with Barcelona. He also helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European championship during his international career.

Busquets joined Messi and Inter Miami in July 2023, shortly after Messi shocked the soccer world announcing his intention to play for the MLS club. Busquets signed a two-and-a-half-year deal, earning $8.8 million annually – the second highest salary behind Messi for the last two seasons.

“When I left Barcelona, I already knew I wouldn't return to Spain or Europe. I'm also at a certain age now, I'm much closer to finishing my career than continuing it,” Busquets said before a Leagues Cup match in August when first addressing rumors about his future with Inter Miami.

Left back Jordi Alba joined Messi and Busquets, leading Inter Miami’s run to the Leagues Cup title in August 2023.

Luis Suarez later joined Inter Miami where the club won the MLS Supporters’ Shield title in 2024 under former coach Tata Martino. Busquets was injured when Inter Miami was ultimately eliminated by Atlanta United in the first round of the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.

Javier Mascherano agreed to coach his former Barcelona teammates at the MLS club after Martino’s exit.

“I don’t know how long he will play. But for me, he was one of the best midfielders in history. I went to Barcelona to learn from him,” Mascherano said of Busquets after he delivered two assists to Messi in Inter Miami’s 4-0 win against New York City FC on Wednesday, Sept. 24, which clinched a playoff berth for the club.

“Hopefully, he’s going to help us the rest of the season. And hopefully, he’s going to help us in the playoff because for us, he’s a key player.”

Inter Miami signed Messi’s Argentine World Cup champion teammate Rodrigo De Paul to a four-year deal after the Club World Cup earlier this summer, which raised speculation about Busquets' future.

De Paul, who is signed through 2029, will likely occupy Busquets’ role as one of three designated player roster positions on Inter Miami’s roster, alongside Messi and Alba next season.

Messi, 38, is expected to sign at least a two-year deal through 2027 to remain with Inter Miami, USA TODAY reported on Sept. 18.

Suarez, 38, said he would like to retire at the same time as Messi, but will see his contract expire at the end of 2025.

Alba, 36, has already signed an extension with the club through 2027.

Mascherano, 41, signed with Inter Miami through 2027.

Inter Miami has fallen short for three trophies already in 2025, losing in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup, and most recently the 2025 Leagues Cup final.

Inter Miami returns to action on the road against Toronto FC on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The club is five points shy of Philadelphia for the 2025 Supporters’ Shield lead with five matches remaining this season. They will compete for the 2025 MLS Cup, which Busquets could play a major role in helping Inter Miami lift another trophy.

“These will be my last months on the pitch,” Busquets said. “I am retiring very happy, proud, fulfilled and above all grateful. Thank you very much, see you soon... All end is a new beginning.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Legend Sergio Busquets is retiring. Here's what it means for Messi, Inter Miami.

Reporting by Safid Deen, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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