Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has penned an emotional message to his long-time friend and teammate Jordi Alba, following the Spanish defender’s announcement that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season.
Alba, 36, revealed his decision in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level. The announcement came less than two weeks after another Inter Miami star — Sergio Busquets — also confirmed his retirement.
“Thank you, football, thank you so much,” Alba wrote, marking the close of a career that saw him lift numerous trophies, including six La Liga titles, five Copa del Reys, and the UEFA Champions League with FC Barcelona, as well as the Euro 2012 crown with Spain.
Messi, who shared more than a decade of unforgettable moments with Alba at Barcelona before reuniting with him in Major League Soccer, responded with a touching tribute in the comments section.
“Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you so much. After so much time together, it’s going to be weird to look to the left and not see you there. Crazy how many assists you gave me all these years… Who’s gonna give me back passes now???” Messi wrote.
The Argentine icon and the Spanish full-back developed one of football’s most celebrated partnerships during their time at Camp Nou, combining for over 30 goals — with Alba often providing Messi with inch-perfect assists from the left flank.
Alba’s retirement marks the end of an era for the trio of Messi, Busquets, and Alba, who together formed a core part of Barcelona’s golden generation that dominated European football under Pep Guardiola and later Luis Enrique.
The veteran defender is expected to remain in Miami until the close of the current MLS season, after which he will officially hang up his boots — closing a chapter defined by consistency, pace, and tactical intelligence on the left wing.
About the Author
