The final figure became official after Busquets decided to retire at the conclusion of the most recent MLS season, receiving formal recognition from the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History and Statistics). The total breaks down into 569 matches together with FC Barcelona and 84 more with Inter Miami. The record underscores the durability and sustained excellence both players maintained across two continents and multiple competitions.

Their on-field partnership officially began on September 13, 2008, when Busquets made his first team debut for Barcelona. That day, he shared the pitch with Messi and fellow defender Gerard Piqué, marking the start of a historic era for the Spanish club.

Busquets previously held the record as part of another iconic duo. Alongside Piqué, he reached 620 matches together, combining their time with Barcelona and 87 appearances representing Spain in international competition. That partnership set the standard before Messi and Busquets ultimately raised it to unprecedented levels.

An exclusive club in soccer history

In the history of professional soccer, only four duos have surpassed the 600-match mark as teammates on the field. According to the IFFHS, Gerd Muller and Sepp Maier are part of the group with 611 matches, and Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich and Germany recently joined that exclusive group.

The German pair reached 611 matches together before Muller departed Bayern Munich. While both players remained active and a reunion elsewhere remained theoretically possible, the benchmark established by Messi and Busquets appeared secure at the top of the all-time list.

It is important to note that the statistic includes only top-level official matches, and a game counts as long as both players appeared on the field, regardless of whether they shared the same minutes simultaneously. That criterion ensures consistency in historical tracking and further highlights the magnitude of Messi and Busquets’ achievement.

“Inter Miami CF announced today it has signed Argentine midfielder David Ayala from the Portland Timbers. Ayala joins Inter Miami as part of MLS’s U22 Initiative, bolsters the Club’s midfield depth, and will remain under contract through the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season,” Inter Miami stated in an official release.

Inter Miami view the 23-year-old midfielder as the potential replacement for Busquets in the middle of the pitch, who retired after winning the championship alongside Jordi Alba.

His playing characteristics are similar to the Spaniard’s, and the statistics reflect it: while Busquets averaged 59.2 completed passes per game, Ayala led the Timbers with 47.2 passes per match at an 88% completion rate.

Ayala won’t be alone at Inter Miami, as he joins a long list of Argentines on the roster: Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Gonzalo Lujan, Tomás Aviles, Oscar Ustari, Mateo Silvetti, and Facundo Mura are the compatriots who will welcome the midfielder to Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami active during the transfer window

Far from being complacent after winning their first MLS Cup, the front office quickly got to work before the start of the preseason to reinforce the squad. Inter Miami confirmed Facundo Mura as the first signing of 2026 to cover the right-back position left vacant by Marcelo Weigandt following his return to Boca Juniors.

The Herons’ goal could also have a new owner, as Inter Miami confirmed a stellar signing who aspires to play in the 2026 World Cup with the USMNT. This is Canadian goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who had an excellent season with Minnesota United that earned him the 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award.

To bolster the defense, Inter Miami announced the signing of a Brazilian with previous MLS experience. This is Micael, who arrived from Palmeiras after a strong stint with the Houston Dynamo, where he made 80 appearances and scored three goals across all competitions over two seasons and won the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

One of the leading targets is Nicolas Fonseca from Club Leon in Mexico. According to reports from TyC Sports, citing Super Deportivo, Inter Miami have already submitted a formal offer, with negotiations ongoing between both clubs as they seek to reach an agreement in the coming weeks.

Fonseca is a 27-year-old Uruguayan defensive midfielder who began his professional career with Novara FC in Italy. He later played for Montevideo Wanderers and River Plate in Uruguay, before making the move to River Plate in Argentina in 2024. After a brief stint there, Club Leon acquired him for a reported fee of $2 million.

Despite showing flashes of quality, Fonseca’s time with La Fiera has been marked by inconsistency, influenced in part by an unstable institutional environment as the club looks ahead to structural changes toward 2026. That context has also fueled speculation about a potential move abroad.

Fonseca’s numbers

During the current 2025–26 season, Fonseca has appeared in 15 matches for Club Leon in the Liga MX Apertura. He started 13 of those games and came off the bench twice, without registering goals or assists, while primarily serving as a holding midfielder tasked with defensive balance.

At the international level, Fonseca has earned six caps with Uruguay under head coach Marcelo Bielsa, appearing in both World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. Those appearances place him on the radar for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although his place in the final squad remains far from secure.

Inter Miami face competition

Inter Miami must move decisively if they want to secure Fonseca’s signature, as interest from Europe is also emerging. According to Infobae, Real Oviedo of Spain have been mentioned as a potential destination, aided by the fact that the club belongs to the same ownership group as Club Leon, which could simplify negotiations.

For Fonseca, a move to Europe would offer greater exposure ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while a transfer to Inter Miami would provide the opportunity to play alongside Messi and assume a central role in an ambitious MLS project. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as all parties weigh their options.

After the match, Messi, upon receiving the award for the best player, was asked about what the title meant to him in light of the retirements of Busquets and Alba. “It’s a lot of happiness, it was one of our goals. We managed to win the Leagues Cup and had a great year. The team worked tremendously hard and delivered all season. I’m happy for what we achieved, for them, ending their careers this way is beautiful, well-deserved. Today closes a very special chapter, and I wish them the best, two friends I care about deeply.”

A long journey, a career spanning many years, and two shared clubs for these three legends, Messi, Alba, and Busquets, has come to an end. And what better way to close it out than by winning a championship in their final competition together. Each played a crucial role in the team’s success.

Messi led Miami throughout the season, and in the final he delivered once again, providing two key assists that sealed the victory, the first to Rodrigo De Paul for the 2-1 lead, and in the closing minutes, a brilliant assist to Tadeo Allende to crown Inter Miami champions.

How many titles did Messi, Alba, and Busquets win together?

The legendary partnership of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba resulted in a total of 19 official titles won while playing together. The vast majority of this trophy haul came at FC Barcelona, where they played together from 2012 to 2021. This period included the club’s second treble in the 2014/2015 season, highlighted by the UEFA Champions League, marking one of the most golden eras in modern soccer history.

Of the 19 trophies, 16 were lifted at Camp Nou, demonstrating near-total dominance in Spanish soccer. During this time, the trio formed the core of a team that won five La Liga titles and five Copa del Rey trophies, in addition to the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. Their connection, particularly between Alba and Messi on the left flank, was a constant source of assists and goals.

After leaving Barcelona, the iconic trio added three final titles with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. In a short period in the United States, they won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the MLS Supporters’ Shield in 2024, and capped their time at the club with the MLS Cup, reaching a total of 19 titles together. This group of players will undoubtedly remain in soccer history.

Busquets was the first to announce in September that he would retire from professional soccer at the end of this season, followed by Alba’s announcement in early October. Messi admitted it is difficult to watch the players who have been beside him throughout his entire career hang up their boots, noting that it serves as a stark personal reminder.

“Honestly, it’s difficult [to see them retire]. First, because you realize you’ve dedicated your entire professional life to soccer, that the people around you are starting to leave, and you realize that your own moment will also come soon,” the Inter Miami captain stated.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized the emotional connection he will lose. “And second, because we were always in harmony inside and outside the field and shared so much, even with our families. So it’s a loss of friends, inside and outside the field,” he added.

Saying goodbye to his long-time partners is not easy for Messi, considering they are the players he has played with most frequently. According to Transfermarkt data, Busquets leads that ranking, having played 646 games alongside Messi, while Alba is currently fourth, having played 416 matches with the Argentine.

The top five is rounded out by Gerard Pique (506 games), Andres Iniesta (489 games), and Javier Mascherano (414 games)—who is now his coach at Inter Miami.

The final objective with Busquets and Alba

Despite only joining Inter Miami two years ago, Lionel Messi has already captured the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. This leaves the MLS Cup as the primary objective for the team this year, and it would mark the final professional tournament for both Busquets and Alba.

“Hopefully, we can win the MLS Cup because it would be beautiful for the club to achieve it,” Messi told Romano. “That would help this entire growth process that has happened in recent years. Winning an important title for the club would be spectacular for the entire locker room, and at a personal level, winning a title here would be something extraordinary”.

“Inter Miami CF announced today that it has signed Academy product David Ruiz to a contract extension through the 2028 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option for the Club to extend the contract for 2029,” the club said in an official statement.

The 21-year-old Honduran midfielder is in his third season with Inter Miami after joining as a Homegrown Player in 2023. Ruiz played an important role under Gerardo “Tata” Martino in the team’s 2023 Leagues Cup triumph, and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

This year has been more challenging. Injuries and fitness issues have limited Ruiz to just seven appearances, and he has now been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to correct a persistent muscle injury that has troubled him throughout the year.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami have one game left in the regular season, a road matchup against Nashville SC, before turning their focus to the MLS Cup Playoffs. The club has already locked in its postseason spot and will aim to improve on last year’s first-round elimination to Atlanta United.

Led by Lionel Messi, the Herons currently sit third in the Eastern Conference with 62 points, tied with FC Cincinnati. The Supporters’ Shield, however, is already out of reach after Philadelphia Union clinched the title earlier this month.

Messi continues to shine in his second MLS campaign, leading the Golden Boot race with 26 goals, two ahead of Denis Bouanga. The Argentine legend is also in strong contention for MLS MVP, with a chance to become the first player in league history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.

It’s longtime left-back and former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba, who announced in a video shared on his social media that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the year.

“This has been a thoughtful decision I’ve considered for a long time. I feel it’s the right moment to begin a new personal chapter and fully enjoy time with my family after so many demanding years in professional football,” Alba said via Inter Miami’s official website.

“I’m very happy with my time at Inter Miami and truly grateful for the support of the fans and for having been part of the team’s successes, sharing special moments in the club’s growth. Now my goal is to finish the season in the best possible way, giving my all in the playoffs,” he added.

Inter Miami will be Alba’s final club, having joined in 2023 as part of the team’s high-profile project alongside his former Barcelona teammates Messi, Busquets, and Luis Suarez. The Spanish defender has so far recorded 14 goals and 38 assists with the Herons, playing a key role in winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Jordi Alba’s career numbers

Over the course of his professional career, Jordi Alba played more than 700 matches, scoring 51 goals and providing 135 assists. With the Spanish national team, he added 93 appearances, contributing 10 goals and 22 assists.

In total, Alba won 22 major titles across club and international competitions. His most notable achievements include the UEFA Euro 2012, the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League, the 2023 UEFA Nations League, and the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup.

According to Jose Armando Rodriguez, MLS has decided to sanction Sergio Busquets for simulating a foul during Inter Miami’s loss to Chicago Fire. This penalty likely involves a fine, allowing Busquets to continue playing in upcoming matches. On the previous matchday, Rodrigo De Paul faced a similar sanction, marking a curious recurring pattern for the Herons.

Considering his availability, head coach Javier Mascherano is likely to start him in the upcoming game against the New England Revolution as he seeks a turnaround after recent disappointing results. During the latest training session, the Herons practiced with a full roster, renewing fans’ optimism for a return to peak performance.

At 37, Sergio Busquets continues to be a key player for Inter Miami, starting in 30 of 31 games this season. Nonetheless, the upcoming match against the Revolution carries extra significance, as the Herons plan to honor the legendary Spanish midfielder following his retirement announcement. The tribute underscores his impact both on and off the field, as he prepares to leave an indelible mark on MLS, despite his short stint.

What’s next for Inter Miami before their 2025 MLS Playoff debut?

Although Inter Miami have secured a 2025 MLS Playoff spot, their upcoming games remain crucial for maintaining momentum. Recent lackluster performances underscore the need to return to winning form and ensure top-notch readiness for the postseason. For this reason, head coach Javier Mascherano may rely on his stellar roster in the final three regular-season games to guarantee peak performance when it matters most.

In their quest to turn their negative streak, the Herons face a tight schedule. They host the New England Revolution on October 4, enjoy a week off, and then compete against Atlanta United at home on October 11. The regular season concludes with a critical away match against Nashville SC on October 18.

In a post on his official Instagram account, Sergio Busquets announced his retirement from professional soccer at the end of the season with a video, accompanied by a short but emotive message. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone, and to soccer, for everything. You will always be a part of this beautiful story.”

Following this announcement, Sergio received a flood of comments praising his illustrious career and impact on world soccer. However, the most notable was Lionel Messi, who was quick to react to his post. “Together almost from start to finish… It’s been a privilege to enjoy your soccer, Busi. And we still have a little bit more to go!”.

Since breaking into Barcelona’s first team, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have shared a remarkable journey, aside from Messi’s brief stint with PSG. They have played an impressive 639 games together, the highest tally for Busquets with any teammate. Their chemistry has also led to 33 joint goal participations, another record for Busquets. With both players active until December 2025, the duo has ample time to expand their illustrious legacy.

Sergio Busquets announced that his future will remain linked to soccer after retirement

Sergio Busquets, the veteran midfielder with a contract running until December 2025, already envisions his professional path post-retirement. Renowned for his transformative impact on world soccer, he has earned accolades as one of the game’s brightest minds. With a career marked by strategic brilliance and exceptional vision, he plans to remain intricately tied to the sport. Yet, his future involves honing his expertise in a specific role.

In an interview in 2023 with Agencia EFE, Sergio announced that he would seek to become a soccer coach after his retirement. “Playing in a position that requires some knowledge of how to manage the team has influenced me and made me interested in becoming a coach. Preparing things, having everything under control. I’m going to get my coaching license when I leave soccer, and from there, I think I’m going to give it a try. I think I have what it takes, that I’m capable.”

Although this was two years ago, Busquets set his professional path toward coaching, as he has had true mentors by his side. One of them, Pep Guardiola, predicted this future a few years ago. “The Best. He reads absolutely what happens. He anticipates and read the situations fast…He will become an exceptional manager,” he said, as reported by GOAL in 2023.

COPE journalist Nacho Garcia reported that Sergio Busquets will retire once his Inter Miami contract expires later in 2025. The World Cup winner has openly hinted that he is nearing the end of his career, admitting last summer he was “much closer to ending my career than to continuing it.” While no official announcement has been made yet, confirmation is believed to be imminent.

The 37-year-old midfielder, who has lifted 32 trophies with Barcelona and earned 143 caps with Spain, has decided to hang up his boots two years after joining Messi in Miami.

Busquets’ departure will mark the loss of one of soccer’s most decorated and intelligent midfielders. For Inter Miami, it means losing a key Designated Player who, alongside Messi and Jordi Alba, has been the backbone of their Barcelona-inspired project.

Busquets’ legacy

Busquets’ career took off in 2008 when Pep Guardiola promoted him to Barcelona’s first team. He quickly became a cornerstone of the midfield, revolutionizing the pivot role with his tactical intelligence, precise positioning, and exceptional passing. His understated yet crucial style made him indispensable in Barcelona’s famed “tiki-taka” system.

He was a key figure during Barcelona’s golden era, winning numerous domestic and international titles, including two historic trebles in 2009 and 2015, and multiple Champions League trophies. His intelligence on the pitch was equally vital for Spain, helping the national team win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

Over the years, Busquets remained the midfield anchor for Barcelona, even as other stars departed. His quiet leadership and consistent high-level performance made him team captain, bridging the club’s glorious past with its present. His ability to control the tempo and break opposition pressure lines was unmatched.

In 2023, Sergio Busquets ended his long tenure with Barcelona to start a new chapter in MLS, joining former teammates Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami.

The league has handed down its final disciplinary decisions, with sanctions applying only to Leagues Cup competition. For Inter Miami, Suarez was suspended for six matches, Tomas Aviles received a three-match suspension, and Busquets was banned for two games.

On the Seattle Sounders side, only assistant coach Steven Lenhart was suspended, receiving a five-match ban. The suspensions also come with financial penalties and will take effect in the next edition of the Leagues Cup.

Major League Soccer has not yet commented on the incident, but further action against those involved in the controversial ending is expected. The harshest sanction fell on Luis Suarez, who drew widespread criticism after spitting at the Sounders’ head of security, placing him at the center of the controversy.

Suarez issues apology following Leagues Cup brawl

A few days after the 2025 Leagues Cup final, Luis Suárez took to social media to address the controversy and apologize for his actions during the post-match brawl. The Uruguayan striker congratulated the Seattle Sounders on their victory and acknowledged his misconduct.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders for the victory in the Leagues Cup. But, above all, I want to apologize for my behavior at the end of the game,” Suarez wrote. “It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where as soon as the game ended, things happened that shouldn’t have happened. But that doesn’t justify the reaction I had. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it”.

“It is not the image I want to give neither in front of my family, who suffers from my mistakes, nor in front of my club, which also does not deserve to be affected by something like that. I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize it, and apologize to all those who felt bad for what I did. We know that there is still a long season ahead, and we will work together to achieve the successes that this club and all its fans deserve,” he concluded.