Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has insisted "nothing is official" after reports Sergio Busquets could retire at the end of the 2025 MLS campaign.
"No, I don't [have an opinion]. That's what I've read and heard, but nothing is official," Mascherano told media on Tuesday.
"I'm not one to go around asking players about any rumors. What I can tell you is that Sergio is fully committed to the team, to this season, and we're focused on that, not on the rumors."
The player's contract with Inter Miami expires following this season, with no talks yet of an extension. Busquets previously addressed the subject of retirement, admitting Inter Miami would be the final club of his career but continued to emphasize the lack of clarity regarding his future.
"When I left Barcelona, I already knew I wouldn't return to Spain or Europe," Busquets said in August.
"Well, I'm also at a certain age now; I'm much closer to finishing my career than continuing it. But as I said before, there's still nothing official about a renewal or a supposed retirement, so when I have to announce it, you'll know, and from there we can talk more in-depth."
If he chooses to sign a contract extension, the conditions of his deal with Inter Miami would change due to the league's roster rules. Though Busquets is one of three Designated Players for the Herons, Rodrigo De Paul will take his place for the 2026 season given the structure of the Argentina international's contract with the club.
The team's three DPs for the upcoming season would be De Paul, Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi. Sources have told ESPN that the club captain is set to sign a multi-year deal with Inter Miami.
"Yes, obviously [I would not play as a DP]. I think it's obvious that the conditions would change because the three spots that belong to each team in this league are already taken," Busquets said.
For now, Mascherano and Inter Miami will focus on the rest of the 2025 MLS campaign with a mid-week match against New York City FC on Wednesday.
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