Veteran Leaders Announce Retirements
In a series of surprising moves, two of Inter Miami's veteran leaders have announced their plans to retire at the end of the current MLS season. Midfielder Sergio Busquets and defender Jordi Alba, both long-time teammates of Lionel Messi, revealed that they will be hanging up their boots after the final game.
Busquets, 37, has been the engine room of the Inter Miami midfield since joining the club in 2023. His composed presence and tactical intelligence were vital as the team built itself into an MLS contender. Alba, 36, brought a wealth of experience and defensive solidity to the backline after leaving Barcelona to reunite with Messi in South Florida.
The impending departures of these two veterans will leave a significant void in the Inter Miami squad both on and off the pitch. Their leadership and mentorship of the younger players have been instrumental to the team's success.
Homegrown Talent Loaned Out
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Inter Miami's future, the club has made the controversial decision to loan out one of its highly-touted homegrown players, Benjamin Cremaschi, to Italian side Parma.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been turning heads with his performances for the U.S. U-20 national team at the World Cup, where he has already scored five goals. Many fans and pundits have questioned whether Inter Miami moved Cremaschi too soon, potentially stunting his development by not giving him more opportunities with the first team.
The loan move suggests Inter Miami may be facing a transition period as they look to reshape their roster in the wake of Busquets and Alba's retirements. The club will need to carefully manage its young talent to ensure a smooth transition and continued competitiveness in MLS.
TL;DR
- Inter Miami veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have announced their retirements at the end of the 2025 season.
- The departures of these experienced leaders will leave a significant void for the club to fill.
- Inter Miami has controversially loaned out promising homegrown midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi to Italian club Parma, raising questions about the team's player development strategy.
- The club appears to be facing an uncertain future as it navigates a transition period following the loss of its veteran stars.