Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, two of the greatest players of all time, are headed to the MLS. However, while many critics have accused the two Barcelona icons of going down the easy route in the final few years of their careers, one former teammate has handed the pair a warning regarding the competition.
That man is Riqui Puig, the former Blaugrana starlet who played with the Argentine and Spaniard during his time at Camp Nou. Puig, who currently plays for LA Galaxy, made the move from Catalonia to California last year and is thus familiar with the differences between life in Major League Soccer and in Europe's top-five leagues.
Messi and Busquets are both headed to Inter Miami, who are bottom of the Eastern Conference table. Speaking on this matter, former Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale argued that life in the MLS is comfortable and relaxed but Puig has spoken of a different angle that his former teammates might struggle with.
Speaking to AS, the 23-year-old admitted to being happy for the Barcelona legends and argued that they are arriving at a competitive league. Additionally, he added that the MLS will benefit from their arrival.
"I think it is a league with a great future. Now that Leo and Busquets have arrived, I think they can give a lot to this league and the league can give them a lot. I think it's a spectacular place to learn, or to finish the great careers that they have. I'm very happy for them. I have been able to speak with Busi and he is very happy. What I liked the most is that there is a high level in this league because all the teams can beat anyone and it is a league where there is a lot of competition."
However, what might the Argentine attacker and Spanish midfielder struggle to adapt with? According to Puig, the time changes and trips can be grueling as it offers little time for rest to the players.
"The thing I dislike is the trips and the time changes. I think that for a player sometimes resting well is very difficult, that's one of the things that have been difficult for me to adapt to."
One thing that is certain is Inter Miami will need their two signings through the door as soon as possible given their abysmal season. The Herons, as mentioned earlier, are bottom of the table in their conference but have made several changes to turn their fortunes around, including hiring former Barcelona manager Tata Martino to lead the club.
The club recently drew 1-1 with Austin in the league to put an end to their seven-game losing streak. Nonetheless, they are 10 points adrift of D.C. United, who sit in the last Final series playoffs spot.
