‘Without Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi would find it harder’ – Ashley Westwood salutes ‘incredible’ impact of MLS rivals at Inter Miami

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is in line to win an eighth Golden Ball in 2023, has settled quickly since making a summer move to the United States. Messi has already inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory, a place in the U.S. Open Cup final and a shot at securing a play-off berth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

Messi has netted 11 goals through as many appearances for his new Florida-based employers, with collective standards raised high enough that Inter Miami were able to continue winning without him during the international break. That is because they have also acquired former Barcelona stars Busquets and Jordi Alba, with Messi no one-man show in the U.S. despite being the biggest attraction.

Westwood, who left Premier League side Burnley for Charlotte FC in January and came up against Messi and Co in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Leagues Cup, has told Sky Sports of the Argentine’s impact: “The whole thing he's brought to the MLS has been incredible, I've played against some unbelievable players in the Premier League but even at his age he's still the greatest I've ever faced. Sergio Busquets in midfield as well, he just sees things that others don't. Without Busquets, I think Messi would find it a little bit harder but he's got Busquets in midfield to find him with every pass. To play against him was a real honour but he got the best of us so hopefully we'll do a job when he comes to us!”

Inter Miami will wrap up their 2023 regular season campaign with back-to-back outings against Charlotte FC. They will hope to already be occupying a play-off berth by then, with there still a six-point gap for them to bridge as Messi prepares to return to domestic action against Atlanta United in Saturday.