“I'm much closer to retiring than continuing to play" - Lionel Messi's veteran Inter Miami teammate makes honest admission about his future

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammate, Sergio Busquets has admitted that he is nearing the end of his football career. The Spanish midfielder is in the final months of his contract at the MLS club and is yet to pen a new deal.

Speaking to the media, Busquets expressed his delight in reaching the 100-game milestone for Inter Miami, having joined the MLS club from Barcelona in 2023 on a free transfer. He said (via GOAL):

"I wanted to come and enjoy a new stage in my sporting and family life, in a new club. There were many things to improve, and I wanted to contribute my experience. I’m very happy to have reached that milestone."

When quizzed about his contract extension, Busquets added:

"There is no news. When I left Barça, I already knew I wouldn’t return to Spain or Europe. I'm much closer to retiring than to continuing to play. There’s nothing regarding a supposed renewal or a supposed retirement; when there’s news, we’ll communicate it."

Sergio Busquets currently occupies a 'Designated Player' slot at Inter Miami, along with Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba. If he leaves the club at the end of this season, the MLS side will be able to register Rodrigo De Paul, who has joined on loan from Atletico Madrid, but is on the 'Targeted Allocation Money' (TAM) contract.

Javier Mascherano wants Inter Miami to keep Lionel Messi's teammate

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano spoke to the media earlier this summer and admitted that he wanted to keep Sergio Busquets at the club. He spoke about the importance of Lionel Messi's teammate at the club and said (via Yahoo):

"He's an incredibly important player, not just in the history of football, but also in the history of this club. Sergio is a personal favourite of mine. I went to Barcelona just to learn from him. I went there to be his backup, so I could watch him up close, so imagine how life works out that now I get to coach him.

"I’ve truly enjoyed these seven months with Sergio. Hopefully he can keep playing, and if it’s with Inter Miami, even better. In my opinion, he still has a lot to offer. But when it comes to those conversations between him and the club, I’m not directly involved, and I don’t have a lot of information about that."

Lionel Messi is also nearing the end of his contract at the MLS club. Talks over a new deal are reportedly ongoing amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.