Jordi Alba has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2025 MLS season, prompting an emotional response from his long-time teammate Lionel Messi. The Barcelona legend, now at Inter Miami, revealed the decision via an Instagram video, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Messi, who played alongside Alba for both Barcelona and Inter Miami, paid tribute in the comments of Alba's post. 'Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things together, it's going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there. It's crazy how many assists you've given me over all these years. Who is going to give me those passes from behind now?' wrote the Argentine.
Alba provided 33 assists to Messi during their time together, a tally only surpassed by Luis Suarez, Dani Alves, and Andres Iniesta. The pair were integral to Barcelona's success, winning five La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, and the 2015 UEFA Champions League. After reuniting at Inter Miami, they also claimed the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield, setting an MLS points record.
Alba joined Barcelona's academy as a youngster but had to leave to forge a career, returning in 2012 after impressing at Valencia. He went on to make 459 appearances for the Catalans, forming a lethal partnership with Messi down the left flank. On the international stage, Alba earned 93 caps for Spain, scoring in the 2012 European Championship final victory over Italy.
Tributes have also poured in from other former Barcelona teammates, with Neymar and Suarez paying their respects. Suarez wrote, 'Brother, what to say. You're a crack, to enjoy what's left,' while Neymar added, 'You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti.' Alba's retirement marks the end of an era for a generation that dominated both club and international football.
