Left-back has announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the MLS season
Lionel Messi has led a host of tributes to Jordi Alba after the Inter Miami and former Barcelona full-back announced he would retire at the end of the MLS season.
The 36-year-old confirmed his decision on Tuesday, bringing an end to a glittering professional career that saw him win every major club honour with Barcelona and play a key role in Spain’s 2012 Euros triumph.
Following the announcement, Messi posted a message on Instagram paying tribute to his long-time teammate.
“Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you a lot,” Messi wrote. “After so many years together, it’ll be strange to look to my left and not see you there. It’s crazy how many assists you gave me over all these years… who’s going to give me the passes now?”
The left-back joined Barcelona in 2012 from Valencia and became an integral part of one of football’s most successful teams, forming a prolific connection with Messi on the left flank.
The pair combined for dozens of goals over nearly a decade together, with Alba’s movements and square passes down the left becoming a trademark of Barcelona’s play during the duo’s peak years.
Their partnership resumed in 2023 when Alba joined Messi at Inter Miami, alongside another former teammate, Sergio Busquets.
Other ex-teammates also praised Alba’s career. Thiago Alcantara wrote: “Thanks for everything, my brother. You the best.”
Andres Iniesta posted pictures of himself and Alba alongside a caption that said: “Congratulations on an amazing career, brother. Incredible!! I had such a great time playing on that left side of the pitch with you! Enjoy these next few months, and I wish you all the best for the future.”
