Inter Miami have made it a double swoop of former Barcelona stars this summer, as this Sunday saw the club announce the arrival of Spain legend Sergio Busquets on a free transfer.
The holding midfielder will reunite with **Lionel Messi** as he makes the move across the pond, signing a contract through the 2025 MLS season with the David Beckham-owned team.
“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 Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson.
He will also link up with another former Argentine colleague - this time on the bench, as he plays under Gerardo “Tata” Martino once again after the manager’s spell at Barcelona in 2013/14.
Another World Cup winner at Inter Miami
Like Messi, the Blaugrana icon’s illustrious career also includes success on the international stage, as he lifted the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa. He becomes the 15th world champion to pack his bags for American soccer, joining a distinguished list which includes the likes of Thierry Henry, Lothar Matthäus, Andrea Pirlo, and Kaká.
A model of consistency
Busquets’ move to Inter Miami will be the veteran’s very first experience playing abroad, having been with his formative club since the start of his senior career back in 2008.
Since breaking through under the tenure of legendary coach Pep Guardiola, the Catalan has been a mainstay in the team. His incisive reading of the game and orchestral passing style made him a key part of two treble-winning sides. Although often in the shadow of some of his more prominent teammates, Busquets’ consistency will have shone through in its own right.
The midfielder leaves Barcelona having won a total of nine La Liga and three Champions League titles, over the course of no less than 722 appearances. He will now be looking to add titles in North America to what has been a storied career so far.
A Leagues Cup debut?
As with the Argentine forward, Busquets is set to take to the pitch for the first time as an Inter Miami player in this month’s Leagues Cup tournament. The Florida outfit will get the ball rolling in this competition pitting together Liga MX and MLS sides, as they host 2019 winners Cruz Azul on July 21.
The team will then take on a domestic rival in the form ofAtlanta United FC four days later, for the second of their South 3 group stage match-ups.
