Jordi Alba, the distinguished defender, has announced his decision to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025 season. Following this announcement, football superstar Lionel Messi was among the first to express his respect and sadness for his long-time teammate’s decision. He was soon joined by fellow global icons Neymar Jr and Luis Suarez, who also offered their tributes and encouragement to the Spanish player.
The 36-year-old former Barcelona full-back recently shared a video on his personal Instagram account to officially declare his retirement from the sport. Immediately after Alba’s poignant post, the 38-year-old Lionel Messi, a World Cup 2022 winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, commented with a profound sense of melancholy regarding the impending absence of his close friend and teammate from the footballing world. Messi conveyed his deep respect for Alba’s choice, writing: “Thank you so much, I will surely miss you after all the things we built together. It will be strange when I look to my left on the pitch and you are no longer there. It’s the most beautiful thing to think about all your good passes that you gave me over the years to score. Who else will give me such good touches and support me from behind like you?”
The careers of Alba and Messi have been notably intertwined. Both players began their professional journeys at Barcelona, forming a formidable partnership that would define an era. They later reunited at Inter Miami in 2023, embarking on a new chapter in the United States after achieving unparalleled success in Spain. Together at Barcelona, the iconic duo lifted an impressive array of trophies, including five La Liga titles, one Champions League title, and five Copa del Rey trophies. Their partnership continued to flourish at Inter Miami, where they secured the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, simultaneously establishing new records within the MLS.
Throughout his illustrious career, Alba provided assists for Messi on 33 occasions. This places him as the fourth-highest assister for the Argentine maestro, a testament to their exceptional understanding on the pitch. He follows esteemed players like Luis Suarez (60 assists), Dani Alves (42 assists), and Andres Iniesta (37 assists). With both Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba announcing their retirement by the end of the season, Messi will enter the 2026 season playing without these long-standing teammates by his side.
The news of Alba’s retirement also prompted an outpouring of respect and gratitude from countless Spanish and Barcelona fans, who thanked him for his contributions to football. Former Barcelona teammates, including Brazilian forward Neymar Jr and Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, also joined in expressing their admiration for the 36-year-old’s decision to step away from the game. The 38-year-old Suarez affectionately wrote on Alba’s post: “My brother, I don’t know what to say, you are a great person, enjoy your life beyond this.” Similarly, Neymar Jr lauded the Spanish defender’s abilities and acknowledged him as an outstanding individual, conveying his profound respect for his former teammate.
