The on-field chemistry of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, fondly known as Messi-Alba axis was forged over a decade at Barcelona and rekindled at Inter Miami, is said as one of football’s most enduring telepathic connections. Together, they amassed 12 major trophies, including four Champions League titles and six La Liga crowns, while Alba’s pinpoint crosses and overlapping runs fueled Messi’s record-breaking goal tally. Opta stats credit Alba with 47 assists to Messi across their 349 joint appearances for club and country, a figure rivaled only by Luis Suárez’s 56. But now this chemistry would not be seen on the football ground.
In a heartfelt moment that has sent ripples through the football world, Lionel Messi has reportedly penned an emotional
tribute to his longtime teammate and friend Jordi Alba, who announced his retirement from professional football at age 36. Alba hung up his boots after a storied career, leaving Messi to reflect on their shared journey and the void his departure will leave. The Argentine’s message, shared via Instagram, underscores a partnership that defined an era, Messi wrote, “Thanks to you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you a lot. After everything we’ve been through 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’s going to give me those passes from behind now?”
Jordi Alba announced his retirement after Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS concluded with a playoff exit
Jordi Alba’s retirement announcement came after Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS season concluded with a heartbreaking playoff exit. The defender, who joined Miami in July 2023, reportedly cited physical toll and a desire to prioritize family as reasons for stepping away. “It’s time,” Alba reportedly said in a press conference, flanked by wife Romarey and their three children. He further added, “I’ve given everything to this sport, and I’m at peace.” His final season saw him log 10 assists and two goals in 28 MLS appearances, earning a third straight MLS All-Star nod. Yet, for Lionel Messi, the loss can be said as personal as much as professional. Their story began in 2012 at Barcelona, where Alba, fresh from Valencia, slotted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka machine. Messi, already a three-time Ballon d’Or winner, found in Alba a left-flank maestro whose tireless runs and laser-like deliveries amplified his genius. Their first season together yielded La Liga glory, with Alba assisting Messi nine times.
Alba’s career stats dazzled: 711 club appearances, 37 goals, 181 assists, and 19 trophies across Barcelona, Valencia, and Miami, plus 93 Spain caps and a Euro 2012 title. For Messi, the 2025 season looms as a test. With 22 goals and 15 assists in 2024, he remains MLS’s linchpin, but Alba’s absence may shift dynamics. Luis Suarez, 38, and Sergio Busquets, 37, are also nearing twilight, leaving Miami’s “Barca reunion” on borrowed time. Messi’s focus, per reports, is a deep MLS Cup run and a Copa América 2026 swan song with Argentina.
