Lionel Messi paid tribute to Barcelona great Jordi Alba after he announced his retirement, with Luis Suarez and Neymar also praising his career.
Lionel Messi has praised Barcelona great Jordi Alba as the current Inter Miami star announced his retirement, joking about the amount of assists the Argentine has given during their time together.
Alba posted a video on his Instagram account confirming his decision to end his career at the end of the 2025 MLS season. The Spaniard is one of a number of former Barcelona stars who spent their later years with the Florida franchise.
Alba, Messi, Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets all won the Champions League together in 2015 as Catalans, and all ended up in the United States. Alba flourished at Camp Nou, but initially had to leave to pursue his ambitions.
After a successful spell with Valencia, he was signed in 2012 upon Pep Guardiola’s departure and went on to make 459 appearances for Barcelona. He has teamed up with Messi on numerous occasions and the World Cup winner paid tribute to his teammate.
He replied to his Instagram post: “Thank you Jordi. I’ll miss you so much. After all we’ve done together, it’s going to be weird to look to the left and not see you there. It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over the years. Now who’s going to give me passes from behind?”
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Alba has provided Messi with 33 assists during their time together. Only three other players have scored more goals from the Argentine superstar: Luis Suarez, Dani Alves and Andres Iniesta.
During their time in Spain, Messi and Alba together won five La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, and the Champions League. After reuniting at Inter Miami, they won the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. He also set a league record for the most points scored in a single season.
Following Alba’s announcement, she received many compliments. Former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Suarez also posted their congratulations. “Brother, what can I say? You can’t enjoy what’s left,” said the Uruguayan. Neymar commented: “You’re big, brother. Big hug Foreti.”
Alba also has 93 caps for Spain since making his debut in 2011. The full-back scored in the Euro 2012 final victory over Italy as Spain continued to maintain their dominance in international football.
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