"These are matters more related to the club" - Inter Miami boss casts doubt on Lionel Messi teammate's long-term future

Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano is hopeful that Lionel Messi's long-term teammate Sergio Busquets gets a new contract from the club. He believes that the Spaniard remains an important player in his squad, despite being 37 years old.

Speaking to the media ahead of their final group stage game of the Leagues Cup, Mascherano said that he was not involved in the decision-making regarding contract renewals at Inter Miami. Putting all the responsibility of the new deal on the board, he said (via World Soccer Talk):

"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 favorite of mine. Imagine, 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.

"When it comes to the veteran players, now including Rodrigo (De Paul), these are matters more related to the club and its long-term project. They usually sit down face-to-face with the owners, and the decisions are made between them. I've truly enjoyed these seven months with Sergio. Hopefully he can keep playing, and if it's with Inter Miami, even better."

When pushed to give his opinion on the situation, Mascherano admitted that Busquets still had a lot to offer on the pitch and added:

"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."

Sergio Busquets joined Inter Miami in 2023, along with Lionel Messi, on a two-and-a-half-year deal. He played a key role in the club's Leagues Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield wins during his two seasons at the club so far.

Javier Mascherano on Lionel Messi's new Inter Miami contract

Javier Mascherano also spoke about Lionel Messi's contract situation, urging the Inter Miami captain to stay. He confirmed that the Argentine was in talks over a new deal and hoped that he reached an agreement with the club. He said (via GOAL):

"Regarding Leo, we all hope he renews his contract. It'll be a decision between him and the club - it's something they've been discussing privately. When the time is right, and if they reach an agreement, they'll announce it. I also saw those rumors, but all I can say is that we're all hopeful he'll stay with us."

Lionel Messi picked up an injury during Miami's win over Necaxa on Sunday, August 3. He is set to miss the final group stage game of the Leagues Cup against Pumas UNAM, but could return for the knockout phase of the tournament.