Sergio Busquets has officially announced that he will retire at the end of the current MLS season, closing the chapter on a career that spanned nearly two decades at the very top of world football. From dominating midfields at Barcelona to giving Inter Miami a dose of European class, the Spaniard leaves behind a legacy of brilliance, intelligence, and quiet leadership.

Busquets’ story is inseparable from Barcelona’s golden era. Rising through La Masia, he became the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s legendary tiki-taka side, orchestrating the rhythm of games with unmatched calm. His career at Barça brought nine La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Copas del Rey, and triumphs on the international stage with both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

By the time he joined Inter Miami in 2023, some wondered if his best years were already behind him. But alongside Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez, Busquets injected experience and poise into a franchise suddenly transformed into a global spectacle. Miami’s attack may have drawn headlines, but it was the 37-year-old’s control in midfield that allowed the stars ahead of him to shine.

Now, with Inter Miami firmly positioned as MLS Cup favorites, his teammates know there’s an emotional extra reason to push for the title: sending Busquets off with silverware. The Herons have never been closer to becoming league champions, and his retirement announcement ensures that every remaining match carries an added weight.

For Messi, Busquets’ retirement marks the end of yet another shared chapter. The two spent over a decade together at Barcelona, winning nearly every trophy possible. Their reunion in Miami brought back memories of Camp Nou, but this time on the vibrant pitches of MLS. Suárez and Alba completed the Barcelona reunion, forming a unique bond both on and off the field.

Now, the trio must prepare for life without Busquets. Messi has already spoken of his admiration for his longtime teammate, often describing him as “one of the smartest players I’ve ever seen.” Suárez has also highlighted Busquets’ unmatched ability to simplify the game, a quality that made him indispensable for every team he played for.

His absence will be felt most in the balance he provides. While Messi and Suárez thrive in attack, Busquets has been the steady hand shielding the defense, dictating tempo, and ensuring Inter Miami plays with order rather than chaos. Finding a replacement for such a unique player will be one of the club’s biggest challenges moving forward.