Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets has once again cast doubt on his continuity at Inter Miami. The veteran, who joined the Florida franchise in July 2023 after parting ways with FC Barcelona, sees his contract expire at the end of the season and, at 37, admits he is closer to retirement than to extending his career.

Busquets torn between retirement and renewal

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City, the World Cup winner with Spain made it clear that nothing has been decided yet: “There’s nothing official, neither about a renewal nor about a possible retirement. I’m much closer to ending my career than to continuing it.”

When asked about the possibility of returning to European football, Busquets was emphatic: “That chapter ended when I signed for Inter Miami. I won’t go back to Spain or Europe. I’m at an age where I accept that.”

His arrival in MLS in 2023 was part of the ambitious project led by Lionel Messi, with whom he shared more than a decade at Barcelona. However, his departure would leave “Las Garzas” without one of their midfield leaders and raise new questions about the team’s future beyond the Argentine superstar.

Immediate challenge: Orlando City in the semifinals

While his future remains uncertain, Busquets is focused on the Leagues Cup semifinal, where Inter seek revenge against a rival that has beaten them convincingly twice this season (3-0 and 4-1). “I think it’s 50-50. They’ve beaten us the last two times, but playing at home gives us an advantage,” said the Spaniard.

The veteran insisted that defensive stability will be key to stopping Orlando’s direct style of play: “We can’t give away so much. We need to be a much more solid team if we want to make the final.”

Messi, the big question mark

The other major doubt for Inter is the availability of Lionel Messi, who has been dealing with discomfort since August 2 after picking up an injury against Necaxa. The Argentine has missed four games and didn’t travel to Washington last weekend, though he has now returned to group training. Assistant coach Javier Morales confirmed that the decision on his call-up will be made just hours before kickoff.

The potential farewell of Busquets and the uncertainty surrounding Messi set the stage for a decisive clash in Miami’s project. Regardless of what happens, the Spanish midfielder has already made it clear that the end of his professional career is drawing ever closer.