Lionel Messi to lose Inter Miami star? Javier Mascherano casts doubt on World Cup winner’s future
Lionel Messi received a major boost at Inter Miami with the signing of Rodrigo De Paul, signaling his desire to remain in MLS and commit to a new contract. However, as the 2025 season nears its end, head coach Javier Mascherano has cast serious doubt on the future of another World Cup winner in Miami.
In addition to Messi, one of the other key contracts set to expire at the end of 2025 is that of Sergio Busquets. Unlike Jordi Alba, who extended his deal back in May, the Spanish midfielder has yet to enter talks regarding his future with the club. Now that August has begun, negotiations have yet to take shape.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Mascherano spoke about Busquets’ role at the club. “He’s an incredibly important player, not just in the history of football, but also in the history of this club. Sergio is a personal favorite of mine. Imagine, I went to Barcelona just to learn from him. I went there to be his backup so I could watch him up close, so imagine how life works out that now I get to coach him,” Mascherano said.
When asked about Busquets’ future, Mascherano clarified that those decisions are out of his hands: “When it comes to the veteran players, now including Rodrigo (De Paul), these are matters more related to the club and its long-term project. They usually sit down face-to-face with the owners, and the decisions are made between them. I’ve truly enjoyed these seven months with Sergio. Hopefully he can keep playing, and if it’s with Inter Miami, even better.”
Mascherano concluded by voicing his support for Busquets’ continued presence at the club. “In my opinion, he still has a lot to offer. But when it comes to those conversations between him and the club, I’m not directly involved, and I don’t have a lot of information about that,” Mascherano told reporters.
According to the MLSPA’s 2024 salary report, Busquets ranked as the third-highest earner in the league with a salary of $8,774,996, trailing only Lionel Messi and Lorenzo Insigne. Now with Insigne no longer in MLS, Busquets sits second overall, but at 37 years old, he may need to accept a pay cut to remain with the South Florida side.
Busquets still playing key role at Inter Miami
Despite being one of the oldest players in MLS, Sergio Busquets has managed to adapt well to the league’s physical demands, serving as the anchor and organizer in Inter Miami’s midfield. In the 2025 season, he’s appeared in 34 matches, recording 7 assists and contributing on both ends of the pitch.
As Messi’s vice-captain, Busquets brings a unique set of skills to the Herons. His natural successor, Federico Redondo, offers more pace, but lacks Busquets’ ability to control tempo and dictate play, an intangible that would be tough for Inter Miami to replace.