Lionel Messi has expressed his feelings about the impending retirements of his Inter Miami teammates and close friends, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Both Spaniards are set to retire at the conclusion of the current MLS season. In a recent interview, Messi reflected on what these departures mean to him, both personally and professionally.
"Honestly, it's tough," Messi admitted in an interview with Fabrizio Romano for Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner acknowledged the difficulty of watching longtime teammates hang up their boots. "First, because you realize you've devoted your whole professional life to soccer, you see people around you starting to leave, and you understand that your own time will come soon". Messi, who recently extended his Inter Miami contract through 2028, is now facing a pivotal moment, balancing his commitment to lead Inter Miami in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs with moments of reflection on his own career.
Messi emphasized the deep connection he shares with Busquets and Alba, highlighting the personal loss he feels. "We were always in harmony on and off the field and shared a lot, even with our families," Messi explained. "So it's a loss of friends, both on and off the field". He also acknowledged the difficulty for Busquets and Alba, noting, "these are also difficult moments for them, because leaving behind something you love is never easy".
Messi holds Busquets and Alba in high regard, as they are the players he has played with most frequently throughout his career. According to Transfermarkt data, Messi and Busquets have played 646 games together, while Messi and Alba have shared the field in 416 matches. He recognizes the end of an era, noting, "Everything comes to an end, but I'll always have the memories, the titles, and the friendship we built".
Busquets, who announced his retirement in September, enjoyed a celebrated career with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, securing multiple Champions League titles, the 2010 World Cup, and the 2012 Euros. Alba, who followed suit in early October, also had a glittering career. Both players are hoping to conclude their careers with an MLS Cup victory.
Inter Miami is currently competing in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. Messi has already tasted success with the team, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield. He hopes to add the MLS Cup to the list, stating, "Hopefully, we can win the MLS Cup because it would be beautiful for the club to achieve it,". "That would help this entire growth process that has happened in recent years".
As Messi witnesses the departure of close friends and teammates, he is also contemplating his future with the Argentina national team. While he has not yet decided whether he will participate in the 2026 World Cup in North America, FIFA has included Buenos Aires as a special host city for one game involving Argentina to mark the centenary tournament and South America's role 100 years ago.
David Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner, expressed his gratitude for Messi's commitment to the club and the city. "Our vision was to bring the best players to Inter Miami and to this city, and that's exactly what we have done," Beckham stated. "We brought the best player to have ever played the game to our city".
