Sergio Busquets could play on with Lionel Messi but chooses not to - with Barcelona legend making future admission after confirming retirement plan at Inter Miami in MLS

At 37 years of age, Busquets is choosing to bow out at the top. He moved to America alongside close friend Messi in 2023. He has helped Inter Miami to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield successes, with it possible that his final act will be to take in an MLS Cup celebration. His glittering CV also includes a World Cup win, European Championship triumph, three Champions League crowns and nine La Liga titles.

Messi’s roll of honour is even more distinguished, as the most decorated player of all-time, and the Argentine GOAT is not prepared to hang up his boots just yet. A contract extension has been mooted in South Florida, taking him beyond his 40th birthday - much like eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.

Busquets has still been performing at an elite level in the United States, with his quality never in doubt, and there is every reason to believe that he could continue for at least a couple more years. The ex-Spain international is convinced that the right decision is being made to leave Messi and Co to fend for themselves.

Busquets said after being treated to a special farewell ceremony at Chase Stadium: “I like to finish well in places, to end good stories by my own choice. I think that's how it's been. I could play on, yes, I feel good, I play a lot of games during the season, but I'm not 20, I try to help the team. But I think it was the right decision, not just physically, but mentally, too. There are many more things to go into that, and I'm very happy, as I said in the video, for the decision, for the trajectory, for having lived a dream I've had since I was little in the places where I could choose and where I went, like in Barcelona and here where I chose it. And that's it, now I'll be, hopefully for a few more games, on the other side of the field.”

Busquets made his La Liga debut for Barcelona in 2008, going on to take in 722 appearances for the club. He has made over 100 for Inter Miami across three seasons in the U.S. and will be missed by team-mates and supporters. Professional football is, however, unlikely to have seen the last of him.

Asked about his long-term plans, Busquets admits that he would like to occupy a bench at some stage - allowing his vast experience to be put to good use. He went on to say: “I think in the future, yes [I'd want to be a coach], but for now I'd rather take a sabbatical. It's a long time, with hardly any weekends. Like any footballer, obviously, playing for the national team and everything gives you another plus, but you also have less time.

“You want to enjoy time with your family, time for me, for them, seeing my children, being with them, traveling more, watching football from a different perspective. And then, in the future, we'll see. In theory, yes, but let's focus on the present, as there's still a long way to go.”

Inter Miami have two more regular season games to take in this season, with the first of those seeing Atlanta United pay a visit to Florida next Saturday. A trip to Nashville will then be taken in. Javier Mascherano’s side are already assured of a playoff berth.

Busquets knows how to get teams over a trophy-winning line and, with Messi by his side, will believe that he can enjoy a dream end to his career by making history with the Herons as they savour MLS Cup glory for the first time.