Inter Miami left-back Jordi Alba has once again spoken about his relationship with longtime friend and teammate Lionel Messi, having done so earlier this month.
The pair came through the ranks at Barcelona, where they forged a formidable connection on the pitch. After spending nine years together at the Catalan club, Messi and Alba took their friendship to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami, where both currently ply their trade.
On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, Alba made a surprising decision, announcing that he will hang up his boots at the end of the current season. The announcement, of course, left his teammates emotional, most especially Messi, who penned a heartfelt message on his retirement post.
In an interview with Sport, Jordi Alba spoke about his bond with Lionel Messi, naming him as the best player in history.
“I never imagined I’d get to play with the best in history or have the connection we share on the pitch. It’s been a privilege. I’ve played practically my entire career with him, and we still understand each other without even looking. It’s an honor to have shared the field with Leo, who for me is the best player in history,” Alba said.
To date, Messi and Alba have played together 416 times across Barcelona and Inter Miami and have combined for 51 goals. The Argentine icon is currently the second player Alba has played most with in his career.
“It tough” – Lionel Messi on Inter Miami teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retiring at the end of the season
Before Jordi Alba announced his retirement, Sergio Busquets had confirmed that he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season. That means Luis Suarez will be the only former Barcelona teammate that will still possibly be with Lionel Messi in 2026.
In an interview with renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano for Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, when asked about the news of Alba and Busquets retiring, Messi said:
“Honestly, it’s tough. First, because you realise you’ve devoted your whole professional life to soccer, you see people around you starting to leave, and you understand that your own time will come soon.
“We were always in harmony on and off the field and shared a lot, even with our families. So it’s a loss of friends, both on and off the field. And of course, these are also difficult moments for them, because leaving behind something you love is never easy.”
While he is in the twilight of his career, Lionel Messi has shown no signs that he is ready to close the curtain on his illustrious career. He recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at Inter Miami until 2028.
Edited by Ezekiel Olamide
