Lionel Messi makes emotional admission after revelations from Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba

Lionel Messi is entering a pivotal moment with Inter Miami. The Argentine superstar recently extended his contract with the club through 2028 and is now competing in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, determined to guide the Fort Lauderdale-based team to a historic league title. At the same time, Messi is navigating moments of nostalgia that can weigh heavily.

Messi says goodbye to longtime friends: “It’s tough”

In an interview with Fabrizio Romano for Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, Messi shared his thoughts on the announcements from Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who will retire once Inter Miami’s postseason run concludes. After a legendary era together at FC Barcelona and their time in Miami, their paths will soon diverge permanently.

Asked directly about the news, Messi said, “Honestly, it’s tough. 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.”

He added, “We were always in harmony on and off the field and shared a lot, even with our families. So it’s a loss of friends, both on and off the field. And of course, these are also difficult moments for them, because leaving behind something you love is never easy.”

2026 World Cup uncertainty

On the national team front, Messi has signaled that his own career is approaching its final stage, as he has not yet decided whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Messi’s next mission: Eastern Conference semifinals

A trip to Geodis Park, home of Nashville SC, brings back fond memories for Messi. That stadium was where Inter Miami won the first title in club history, the 2023 Leagues Cup. Messi, alongside newcomers Busquets and Alba, helped Las Garzas defeat Nashville in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy.

This season, Inter Miami already secured a dominant win over Nashville on Decision Day. Now, their goal is to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference semifinals. After winning Game 1 at home in Fort Lauderdale, Javier Mascherano’s squad will aim to capture Game 2 this Saturday.

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