Lionel Messi has admitted it will be “strange” not playing alongside Jordi Alba in an emotional tribute to his Inter Miami team-mate following the defender’s decision to retire from professional football. The Argentina star took to social media to hail his close friend and former Barcelona colleague after he announced he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.
Alba announces decision to retire
Alba announced on Thursday that he will call time on his legendary playing career following the conclusion of the current MLS season. In a video on Instagram, the 36-year-old – who lifted several major honours with Barcelona and Spain – said: "The moment has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life. I've decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season.
"I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I've walked this path with every ounce of passion I had and now it's the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.
"Football has given me absolutely everything. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, club workers and rivals who pushed me to give my very best. I want to specially thank the clubs that have shaped my life."
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And in an emotional response on Alba’s social media post, Messi – who played alongside Alba at Barcelona between 2012 and 2021 before the pair reunited at Inter Miami in 2023 – wrote: "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?”
Ex-Barca duo Neymar & Luis Suarez also pay tribute
Messi was joined by his and Alba’s former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez, who also paid tribute to the left-back’s incredible career.
Also commenting on Alba’s social media post, Brazil superstar Neymar wrote: "You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti."
And Uruguay legend Suarez, who also plays for Inter Miami, added: "Brother, what to say. You're a crack, to enjoy what's left."
AFPAlba regarded as one of greatest left-backs in history
Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs to ever grace the game, Alba first made an impression at Valencia, where he quickly became one of La Liga’s best players in his position. After three years at the Mestalla Stadium, Alba joined Barcelona in 2012 and – alongside Messi – lifted countless honours in a remarkable period of domestic dominance for the Spanish giants. Alba lifted 17 major trophies with the Blaugrana, including six La Liga titles and five Copa del Rey crowns. He was also part of the famous Barcelona side who won the treble in 2014-15 under Luis Enrique, with the full-back getting his hands on the Champions League title alongside Messi, Suarez and Neymar, who were colloquially called ‘MSN’.