The Argentine star reacted to the announcement of the left-back’s retirement, with whom he shares a dressing room at Inter Miami after an entire career together at Barcelona, at the end of the season.
Lionel Messi has paid a heartfelt tribute to Jordi Alba after the Spanish left-back announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season.
The news, which came as another emotional chapter for fans of Barcelona and Inter Miami alike, marks the end of a remarkable career for Alba, who has been one of the most consistent, reliable, and creative defenders of his generation.
For Messi, the announcement carries extra weight. Jordi Alba has not only been a teammate for more than a decade but also one of his most trusted partners on the pitch. Alongside Dani Alves, Alba stands as one of the greatest providers of assists in Messi’s illustrious career. Their connection became legendary at Barcelona, where Alba’s trademark runs down the left flank and perfectly timed cut-back passes often ended with Messi finishing clinically. That partnership was rekindled in recent seasons at Inter Miami, where the pair, reunited in Major League Soccer, once again delighted fans with moments of footballing magic.
In his farewell post on social media, Alba reflected on his decision to step away from the game at 36, thanking supporters, teammates, and clubs for his journey. His message followed closely on the heels of Sergio Busquets, another Barcelona great who had recently announced his retirement, highlighting the generational shift that is slowly taking place among the icons of Barcelona’s golden era.
Messi’s reaction, however, quickly stole the spotlight. His comment became the most highlighted and widely shared response, encapsulating both gratitude and nostalgia: "Thank you, Jordi. I’m really going to miss you. After so many things together, it will be strange to look to the left and not see you there… What a crazy amount of assists you’ve given me all these years… Who’s going to play those cut-back passes to me now?" The words capture not only Messi’s appreciation for Alba’s contributions but also a deep personal bond forged through countless shared triumphs.
During their time together at Barcelona, Messi and Alba formed one of the most dangerous left-sided partnerships in world football. Alba’s speed, vision, and instinct for when to overlap created an almost telepathic link with Messi. Many of Messi’s most iconic goals at Camp Nou came from Alba’s runs, whether in La Liga, the Champions League, or El Clásico against Real Madrid. Together, they contributed to Barcelona’s dominance in Spain and Europe, helping the club win multiple league titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and the Champions League in 2015.
Their connection was not just professional but also personal. Alba, known for his cheerful personality and strong friendships within the squad, shared a close relationship with Messi off the pitch as well. That bond made their reunion at Inter Miami in 2023 even more special, as Messi, Alba, and Sergio Busquets were once again able to play side by side, this time under the spotlight of American soccer.
Neymar, another member of Barcelona’s famed "MSN" attacking trio, also left a message of admiration, further underlining the respect Alba has earned from some of the biggest stars in football. Fans quickly filled the comment sections with their own memories of the Messi-Alba partnership, calling it "one of the most underrated duos in football history" and a "symbol of Barcelona’s style of play."
Jordi Alba’s retirement not only closes the book on a distinguished career but also serves as a reminder that the era of Barcelona’s dominance in the 2010s is gradually coming to a close. With Busquets, Alves, Piqué, and now Alba stepping away, and Messi himself in the twilight of his career, fans are left to reflect on an extraordinary generation of players who redefined football with their intelligence, flair, and unbreakable chemistry.
As Messi continues to compete with Inter Miami, the absence of Alba will surely be felt both on the field and in the dressing room. For the Argentine star, who has always thrived with reliable teammates who understand his movements instinctively, the loss of Alba is not just about football it is about losing a long-time friend and a partner who played a vital role in shaping some of the most unforgettable moments of his career.
