Lionel Messi honours legendary Barcelona full-back after retirement announcement – ‘It’s going to be strange’ | OneFootball

Legendary Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has confirmed that he will retire from football at the end of the current MLS season.

Alba enjoyed a notable spell with Barcelona after returning to the club in 2012 from Valencia, forming one of the most effective partnerships in recent football history with Lionel Messi.

Over the years, Alba’s assists helped the Argentine maestro score countless goals, creating memories that will last forever.

Their connection continued when Alba joined Messi at Inter Miami in 2023, following his departure from Barcelona.

After Alba announced his decision, Messi shared an emotional message on Instagram,

“Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you a lot. After so many things together, it’s going to be strange to look to my left and not see you there.

Messages poured in for Jordi Alba. (Source: Instagram)

“It’s crazy how many assists you gave me over all these years… Who’s going to give me the passes now???”

Barcelona icons celebrate Alba’s career

Messi’s tribute was far from the only one. Sergio Busquets, who had recently announced his own retirement, is one of Alba’s closest friends on and off the pitch and he wrote,

“Congratulations Jordi Alba on your tremendous career. It has been a pleasure and a gift to share so many moments, both on and off the field, together.

“I wish you all the best and, above all, to continue sharing moments with your family. We love you very much, family.”

🔗 Instagram

Andres Iniesta also paid tribute, posting on Instagram with photos of their time at Barcelona and with Spain,

“Congratulations on your great career, brother. Awesome!! I had such a great time playing on the left side of the field with you! Enjoy these months, and I wish you all the best for the future.”

Other former teammates, including Neymar, Thiago Alcantara, Sergi Roberto, and Marc Bartra, also shared their appreciation. Thiago wrote: “Thanks for everything, my brother! You’re the best.”

Sergi Roberto added, “You’re a great guy, Folleti,” using Alba’s dressing room nickname. Bartra said: “So proud of you, brother… you’re a great, great, great guy. A LEGEND.”