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Inter Miami's reinvented squad will get its first big test this Friday in the Leagues Cup against Mexican side Cruz Azul. But not even a wet week at DRV PNK Stadium could dampen the enthusiasm around the club right now, as new gs Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets prepare to reunite in North America.
You can now watch Messi in MLS with Apple
Busquets addressed the media on Thursday as Leagues Cup kickoff draws closer -- and the legendary midfielder will play for a club other than FC Barcelona for the first time.
Busi "very happy" to play with Messi again
After two seasons apart, Busquets is thrilled that he will get to share the pitch once more with longtime teammate Messi.
"I'm very happy to be back together with Leo and enjoy him as a teammate again," he said. "We've been together for many years at Barca and everything was beautiful."
While together at Camp Nou, Busquets and Messi helped Barcelona to a staggering 30 titles. That level of success is impossible to replicate, but the duo's arrival in Miami -- a trio, if you count Alba -- will seek to quickly transform Inter Miami into one of Major League Soccer's top clubs.
"It's true that (Messi) coming here was a catalyst for me making the decision to come," Busquets said Thursday.
Will Busquets and Messi start right away?
Busquets has not played since the end of the 2022/23 LaLiga season -- and at 35 years old, maintaining sharpness and fitness is more important than ever.
As such, the midfielder confirmed he would not play the entire game Friday -- and Messi isn't expected to, either.
Menawhile, Tata Martino previewed the Cruz Azul challenge and what Inter Miami can expect from the Liga MX side.
"We know that Cruz Azul did not get off the best start in the league, but now they have signed Charly Rodríguez and (Uriel) Antuna," Martino said. "They will transmit positive energy that the team needs."
We're halfway though the season. And now you can watch Messi and MLS action for 50% off the full season price with this link.