While Riqui Puig has issued a scheduling caution, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets have been advised that the MLS is a “fantastic” landing site for them.
Both 2010 World Cup champion Busquets and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi decided to sign free agency contracts with Inter Miami, which is co-owned by David Beckham. After successful careers in Europe, the former Barcelona teammates are moving to the United States in search of new challenges. These legends have won nearly every major award and are looking for new challenges. Another former Blaugrana star, Puig, is currently playing for the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer. He is excited to have two familiar faces join him in a league that keeps gaining in stature and popularity.
WHAT THEY SAID: Puig has told AS of two marquee additions in Miami: “I think it is a league with a great future. Now that Leo and Busquets have arrived, I think they can give a lot to this league and the league can give them a lot. I think it’s a spectacular place to learn, or to finish the great careers that they have. I’m very happy for them. I have been able to speak with Busi and he is very happy. What I liked the most is that there is a high level in this league because all the teams can beat anyone and it is a league where there is a lot of competition.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: While happy to talk up the quality on offer in MLS, Puig has warned Messi and Busquets that draining away days in America will take some getting used to. He added: “The thing I dislike is the trips and the time changes. I think that for a player sometimes resting well is very difficult, that’s one of the things that have been difficult for me to adapt to.”
IN THREE PHOTOS:
Getty/GOAL
Getty
Getty Images
WHAT NEXT? Messi, who has spent the last two season on the books of Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, is expected to make his debut for Inter Miami in a Leagues Cup clash with Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21.
