Sergio Busquets’ Surprising Next Chapter: From Messi’s Miami Sidekick to Barcelona’s Coaching Secret Weapon!

Sergio Busquets sent shockwaves through the soccer world when he announced his retirement at the end of last year, leaving a massive void alongside Lionel Messi that Inter Miami have struggled to fill ever since. After taking some time away from the pitch, Busquets has taken the first step toward his coaching career by rejoining FC Barcelona with reserve side Barca Atletic.

Last year, following his retirement announcement after an Inter Miami match against the New England Revolution in October, Busquets was asked in the mixed zone whether he had plans to step into management. “I think in the future, yes, but for now I prefer to take a sabbatical year,” he said at the time, and with a few months of rest under his belt, the Spanish legend has made his move.

On Monday, August 17, Busquets was officially named the new assistant coach at Barca Atletic. He will join the staff of current head coach Juliano Belletti while working to complete his UEFA coaching licenses to earn his senior head coaching badges.

Barca Atletic serve not as La Masia’s youth academy, which handles underage player development, but as FC Barcelona’s official “B team.” The reserve side currently compete in Spain’s Fourth Division, the Segunda Federacion, aiming to climb back after previously residing in the second tier.