Barcelona send emotional farewell message to retiring Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba | OneFootball

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba closed their extraordinary football journeys in the most fitting way imaginable, lifting the MLS Cup with Inter Miami in a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

The former Barcelona duo, who had already confirmed that this season would be their last as professionals, stepped onto the pitch on Saturday knowing the occasion would mark the final chapter of their careers, and yet they delivered one more night of elegance, composure and class.

Both veterans started the match, fittingly reunited with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, forming a core reminiscent of Barcelona’s golden era. 

While Vancouver threatened throughout the game, Messi’s intelligence and creativity once again dictated the tempo. 

Alba, never one to fade quietly into the background, played a crucial part in Miami’s third goal. 

After reading the run perfectly, he pushed the ball forward for Messi, who controlled it effortlessly before releasing Tadeo Allende to finish the move. 

It was a sequence that felt like a nod to their years in Barcelona colours – instinctive, precise and undeniably effective.

Tribute from Barcelona

Beyond the celebrations in the United States, tributes poured in from across the footballing world. 

Among them, Barcelona’s message stood out, capturing the emotion of seeing two of their most decorated figures leave the professional stage. 

The club, recognising the weight of what Busquets and Alba achieved in Catalonia, offered a heartfelt public farewell.

The club wrote, “Two legends of Barça and of football are retiring. 

“Thank you for everything you have given us to enjoy over all these years; your legacy is immense. Good luck and success in this new chapter!”

The message was accompanied by a touching image that contrasted their childhood photos in Barcelona jerseys with a present-day picture of the pair seated together against the backdrop of the Sagrada Familia.

Busquets and Alba now walk away as champions one final time, leaving behind careers defined by loyalty, intelligence and a style of play that helped shape modern Barcelona.