Inter Miami reunites Lionel Messi with Sergio Busquets, completing deal for former Barca midfielder

Inter Miami has confirmed the signing of longtime Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets – a day after confirming the arrival of his once-again teammate Lionel Messi.

The pair spent 13 years together in Barca’s first team, and the 35-year-old Busquets will be tasked with bringing some much-needed solidity to the midfield.

He has signed a deal running through to 2025, taking a Designated Player slot on the roster.

‘This is a special and exciting opportunity that I’m very excited to take. I’m looking forward to this next step in my career with Inter Miami,’ Busquets said. ‘I was impressed by the club when I came with Barcelona last year and now I’m happy and ready to represent the club myself. 

‘I can’t wait to help bring the success that this ambitious club strives for.’ 

Busquets will likely make his Miami debut on Friday, against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup. 

Miami is last place in the league with just 18 points and has the third-worst defensive record in the Eastern Conference, having allowed 36 goals in 22 games. 

The team was beaten 3-0 on Saturday night by St Louis and sits 12 points away from the playoffs, having not won in 11 games.

Busquets is expected to be unveiled alongside Messi on Sunday night at DRV PNK Stadium.

‘We’re very happy to bring somebody of Sergio’s pedigree to Inter Miami. He is one of the smartest players to ever play the sport; he reads the game at an unprecedented level and impacts every facet of play,’ said Miami’s sporting director Chris Henderson. 

‘Sergio is a winner, a leader and a world-class talent, and we’re excited to see him represent our franchise.’ 

Busquets left Barcelona in the summer, the only team he has played for in his entire career up to now.

He made a huge 721 appearances, winning every trophy possible and even playing under Tata Martino, the Miami coach, in the 2013-14 season.  He also won the World Cup with Spain in 2010.

Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said: ‘I am excited to welcome Sergio Busquets to Inter Miami. 

‘Since day one we have set out to bring the world’s best players to Inter Miami. Sergio’s repertoire speaks for itself