‘Without Busquets, Messi Would Find MLS League Harder’ 

Former Burnley player, Ashley Westwood, claimed Lionel Messi would be finding life in America “a bit harder” without Sergio Busquets despite having an incredible impact.

The eight-time Golden Ball winner, who has won the Ballon d’Or seven times, has adapted well to life in the United States since moving there in the summer. 

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Messi has already led Inter Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup, a spot in the U.S. Open Cup final, and a chance to qualify for the MLS Eastern Conference play-offs.

Westwood, who left Premier League side Burnley for Charlotte FC in January and came up against Messi and Co in the quarter-finals of the inaugural Leagues Cup, has told Sky Sports of the Argentine’s impact: “The whole thing he’s brought to the MLS has been incredible, I’ve played against some unbelievable players in the Premier League but even at his age he’s still the greatest I’ve ever faced. 

“Sergio Busquets in midfield as well, he just sees things that others don’t. Without Busquets, I think Messi would find it a little bit harder but he’s got Busquets in midfield to find him with every pass. To play against him was a real honour but he got the best of us so hopefully we’ll do a job when he comes to us!”

The final two games of Inter Miami’s 2023 regular season will be against Charlotte FC. With a six-point margin to close before Messi returns to domestic play against Atlanta United on Saturday, they will be hoping to have already secured a play-off spot.