Lionel Messi described Jordi Alba’s shock decision to retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season as “strange,” paying tribute to a teammate he called indispensable after more than a decade together. Messi’s Instagram message thanked Alba for his service and joked about missing Alba’s assists and his “back passes.”
Alba, 36, stunned supporters by announcing his intention to retire despite signing a contract extension with Inter Miami in May that had run through 2027. In a calm statement, the left-back said he felt “complete conviction” and “peace,” adding that the time was right to open a new chapter.
The decision ends one of modern football’s most productive partnerships. Messi and Alba first linked up at Barcelona in 2012–13 and went on to win five LaLiga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, the 2014–15 Champions League and the 2015 Club World Cup. The duo reunited at Inter Miami, lifting the 2023 Leagues Cup and helping the club to a record Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
