Sergio Busquets, the quiet engine powering Inter Miami, is now at the center of a storm as his game-day availability for this Saturday hangs in the balance. What started as a seemingly minor absence from training has sent shockwaves through the club’s ranks, signaling a potential red flag. Busquets, known for his laser-sharp precision and uncanny game awareness, isn’t someone who sits out over a minor ache.
In the last match, Busquets was sidelined for the second game against Atlanta United, officially due to an illness. Sure, every player is fair game for a flu or a little discomfort now and then. But when he misses a practice the following week? That’s when theories start swirling, and the anxiety builds up.
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Without Busquets, Inter Miami is practically a different team. And it’s not just about his individual talent; it’s the absence of a critical piece in Gerardo Martino's tactical chessboard. Martino was brought in to make this team something real, something that could seriously stand up to MLS heavyweights. With Messi still working to get back to full speed and the team going through some ups and downs, losing Busquets could turn a regular night on the pitch into a nightmare. Think of him as the anchor keeping the team from drifting into disarray.
The excitement, and, yeah, the pressure, around Messi’s arrival changed the entire vibe in MLS. Now, without Busquets, the other pillar of this new era, fans face a sobering reminder that this journey might not be as smooth as hoped. If Busquets is out, Inter Miami won’t just miss his silky touch and tactical vision; they’ll miss the steadying hand that only a seasoned vet can bring.
It’s almost ironic that a player celebrated for his resilience and consistency throughout his Barcelona days, where he was a true maestro, is suddenly dealing with physical issues right here at the beginning of his Miami journey.
For those keeping a close eye on Inter Miami, Busquets missing a practice doesn’t just fly under the radar. The team, used to having someone who commands the midfield with almost surgical precision, now faces a gap that’s tough to fill. Sure, Martino’s got other options, and his resume puts him among the South American greats. But some voids just aren’t that easy to fill, especially when it’s a near-telepathic connection with Messi at stake. That kind of bond only comes from years of playing side by side, and without it, Inter Miami loses way more than just a player.
Inter Miami has already shown it’s got big ambitions, hungry for titles and ready to go all-in to claim a spot at the top of the league. But losing key pieces like Busquets casts doubt on this vision of greatness. Bringing in stars isn’t enough; they’ve got to be out on the field, shining. Otherwise, the team risks slipping back into just being another club searching for an identity.