Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Sergio Busquets after his long-time teammate announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season.
Messi and Busquets came up through Barcelona’s famed youth academy, La Masia, together, before going on to help the club dominate Spanish and European football. The two then reunited at Inter Miami in 2023.
“Together from pretty much the beginning until the end … A privilege to have enjoyed your football, Busi. And we still have a little more left!” Messi posted on Instagram under Busquets’ announcement.
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Busquets is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation, forming a storied three-man midfield at Barcelona with Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernández behind Messi.
Busquets debuted for Barcelona in 2008 under Pep Guardiola and went on to play 722 matches for the club — putting him third all-time behind Xavi and Messi — while winning nine Spanish league titles and the Champions League three times.
Iniesta also paid tribute to Busquets on Friday, saying on Instagram: “What a privilege to share all these years with you brother. How I have enjoyed being by your side! What a great time we had! You are one of the greatest in football history, without a doubt. You had a unique way of playing, which will remain in our memories forever. I wish you all the best in what is coming from now on ❤️”
Barcelona described Busquets as a “legend.”
“The Club of your life. A legend at our Club. Thanks for all the football, Sergio!” Barça said on X.
Former Real Madrid and Spain captain Sergio Ramos described Busquets as “one of the most brilliant midfielders” he ever played with.
While they were fierce rivals at club level, Ramos, 39, and Busquets, 37, were part of the Spain teams that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the European Championship in 2012.
“Busi [Busquets], you are the definition of how to be exceptional while remaining an ordinary guy,” Ramos, now at Liga MX side Monterrey, wrote on social media.
“A rival most of the time, a teammate many times over, you have always stood out for your class, vision, and quality of football, and for your humble and authentic nature. Football is losing one of the most brilliant midfielders I’ve ever played with, but you leave with the recognition and gratitude of all who have been with you and all who love this sport
“Thank you for being a great player, a great teammate, and a great friend. I wish you the best for your new journey.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
