Official: Sergio Busquets retires, bids farewell to Lionel Messi and professional football

End of an era: Lionel Messi will say goodbye to one of his closest friends and former teammate, Sergio Busquets, as the Spaniard prepares for his final appearance with Inter Miami this season before retiring. It's a poignant moment for the World Cup champion, who bids farewell to a teammate and friend who played a pivotal role in his career.

Momentum keeps building for Inter Miami after their big triumph over New York City FC at Citi Field, powered by two goals from Lionel Messi, one from Luis Suárez, and another from Baltasar Rodríguez. Upon returning to Miami, Sergio Busquets confirmed what many had speculated, announcing his retirement with a few MLS regular-season games still remaining.

Sergio Busquets shares emotional farewell message ahead of retirement

Sergio Busquets has five regular-season matches left with Inter Miami before hanging up his cleats. These games will be unforgettable as he shares the pitch one last time with lifelong friends and football legends Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba, teammates who have been by his side since the beginning of his career.

No one knows Sergio Busquets better than Lionel Messi. Starting as a young prospect at Barcelona in 2008, Busquets fought for his place until Pep Guardiola gave him the opportunity to play alongside Messi and the club's other stars . Together, they achieved remarkable success, with Busquets becoming a key figure in Barcelona's midfield.

With the current captain of Inter Miami , Sergio Busquets has won multiple titles, including the Champions League, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey, achievements that will forever remain in football history. Following in Lionel Messi's footsteps, he joined Inter Miami with a clear goal: to continue winning and adding more silverware to his illustrious career.

Even with Inter Miami, Sergio Busquets added to his illustrious career by winning the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield and the 2023 Leagues Cup . At 37 years old, the legendary midfielder confirmed his retirement from professional football in an emotional Instagram post, closing a remarkable chapter in the sport.

Sergio Busquets shared a short but heartfelt farewell message: "A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and to football, for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story." Alongside the message, he included clips and highlights celebrating some of his best moments, honoring his legacy as one of Spain's greatest footballers.

The next challenges for Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Inter Miami still has a few regular-season matches remaining against Toronto FC, Chicago Fire, New England Revolution, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC. However, for Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, the focus goes beyond just wins-they are aiming for the ultimate prize: the trophy.

The good news for Inter Miami is that they have already secured a spot in the MLS playoffs, keeping their title hopes alive. For Messi and Busquets, winning the prestigious MLS Cup would be a dream ending to their careers, allowing them to retire with another major trophy added to their illustrious legacies.