Lionel Messi paid a heartfelt tribute to Inter Miami teammate Jordi Alba after he announced his retirement.
According to ESPN, former Barcelona star Alba announced his surprise retirement on social media on Tuesday, October 7, with an emotional video.
In a video posted on Instagram, the Spanish footballer revealed that he will bid farewell to professional football at the end of the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025 season.
The 36-year-old said, “This decision was made after deep reflection. It was a time when I poured all my passion into it. Now it's time to open a new chapter and close the past with beautiful emotions."
The eight-time Ballon d’Or award winner, who shares a close bond with Alba, as they started playing together at Barcelona and then became teammates at Inter Miami, paid a heartfelt tribute to the Spaniard and admitted that he will “feel strange” without him.
Messi wrote in a comment on the post, “Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After doing 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?"
Furthermore, during their time together in Barcelona, Messi and Alba together lifted five LaLiga trophies, one Champions League title and five Copa del Rey cups.
