Lionel Messi has penned an emotional message to his long-time teammate Jordi Alba, who announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the current MLS season.
The Inter Miami captain reacted under Alba’s Instagram post, reflecting on their enduring partnership and friendship that spanned over a decade at Barcelona and later in Miami.
Messi’s emotional tribute
“Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you so much. After all the moments we’ve shared, it’ll feel strange to look to my left and not see you there…
“It’s incredible how many times you’ve helped me over the years. Who’s going to pass me the ball now???” Messi wrote, accompanied by heart emojis.
The comment quickly went viral among fans, many reminiscing about the iconic Messi-Alba linkup that produced countless goals during Barcelona’s golden era.
End of a legendary partnership
Alba, who spent 11 years at Barcelona’s first team, made 459 appearances, scored 27 goals, and provided 99 assists before joining Inter Miami in 2023.
Throughout his illustrious career, he won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, the UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
Another teammate bows out
Alba’s announcement follows that of Sergio Busquets, who also confirmed his retirement earlier this month.
Both players were part of the historic Barcelona side that dominated European football and their exits mark the end of an era for Messi, who now stands as the last active member of that legendary trio in Miami.