Super teammate Jordi Alba is about to retire, Lionel Messi speaks from the heart

(NLDO) – A few days after Sergio Busquets announced his retirement at the end of the season, Lionel Messi was even more saddened when another teammate, Jordi Alba, said the same thing.

Inter Miami left-back and former Barcelona legend Jordi Alba has announced his retirement at the end of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The Spaniard's decision has caused a stir among football fans around the world , even though everyone knows Alba will be 37 when he hangs up his boots and has played at the top level for more than 20 years.

Jordi Alba will retire at the end of the season

Alba's retirement announcement came as a surprise to everyone, as in May he had just signed a new contract to play for Inter Miami until the end of the 2027 season. "It's time to close an important chapter in my life," Jordi Alba said in a video posted on his personal page on October 7. "I leave with peace and happiness, because I have devoted all my passion to football. Now it's time to open a new journey with a full heart."

The 2023 League Cup is Jordi Alba's first title at Inter Miami

Alba played 44 games in all competitions for Inter Miami in 2025, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists, further cementing his reputation as one of the best full-backs in MLS. Alba follows in the footsteps of longtime teammate Sergio Busquets, who also recently announced his retirement.

The experienced, powerful and elegant left-back made his debut for Valencia in 2009. Three years later, he became one of La Liga's best left-backs, playing a key role in Spain's second consecutive European Championship triumph in the summer of 2012. Alba scored in the 4-0 final win over Italy.

A memorable Champions League trophy with Jordi Alba

His boyhood club then came knocking at the end of that summer. Alba, a product of La Masia, returned to Barcelona, ​​where he established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world during a decade with the club.

He followed his close friend Lionel Messi to Florida to join Inter Miami in 2023. Despite his advanced age, he immediately became one of the league's best players and played a key role in helping the "Herons" win the Leagues Cup and contribute to the record-breaking 2024 MLS season.

Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi together brought home 48 goals

Alba is set to end his career with a legacy full of trophies. "I close this chapter of my life believing that I have given my all. Football has been, is and will always be an essential part of my life. Thank you football. Thank you for everything."

Lionel Messi could not hide his emotions after seeing his two close teammates announce their retirement. After more than 400 matches together at Barcelona and Inter Miami, Lionel Messi could not imagine playing without the Spaniard.

Messi is shocked by the future without Jordi Alba on his side.

"Thank you, Jordi. I will miss you so much. After all these years together, it's strange to look to the left and not see you there. It's unbelievable to think about the countless assists you've given me over the years... Who will pass the ball to me now?", Messi commented on Instagram.

Messi and Alba have played together since the 2012–13 season at Barcelona and the duo have won five La Liga titles, five Copa del Reys, three Spanish Super Cups, one Champions League and one FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi is about to say goodbye to two close teammates Busquets and Jordi Alba

The duo rekindled their partnership after moving to Miami in 2023, lifting the League Cup in 2023, followed by a record-breaking Supporters' Shield victory in 2024. They hope Alba will lift the MLS Cup himself, his 22nd career title.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/dong-doi-jordi-alba-sap-giai-nghe-lionel-messi-noi-loi-gan-ruot-196251008080245962.htm