Lionel Messi And Neymar Pay Respect To Retired Jordi Alba

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi paid tribute to Jordi Alba after the Inter Miami defender announced his retirement from football at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season.

The Inter Miami captain admitted that the pitch would feel strange without the Spaniard.

Alba revealed his decision through a video on his personal Instagram account.

"Thank you, Jordi. I will miss you so much. After a lot of things together, it will feel strange looking to the left and not looking at you there."

"It's amazing how many assists you've given me over the years. Who's going to give me feedback from behind like that now?" Messi commented in the post.

Alba and Messi first played together at Barcelona before moving to Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 to continue playing together.

While in Spain, Messi and Alba together lifted five La Liga trophies, one Champions League title, and five Copa del Rey.

They continued to make history on the pitch when they joined Inter Miami, lifting the 2023 League Cup (Leagues Cup) and Supporters' Shield 2024 together before setting league records for the most points scored in a season.

The duo has repeatedly connected in the final third of the pitch to inspire Inter Miami's win, with Messi last giving Alba an assist for a goal against New England Revolution on October 4, 2025 in a 4-1 win.

Overall, Alba has provided 33 assists to Messi during their careers. Only three other players - Luis Suarez (60), Dani Alves (42), and Andres Iniesta (37) - have provided more assists to the Argentine superstar.

Messi is now expected to play in the 2026 season without his longtime teammate, Sergio Busquets - who previously announced his retirement from football - and Alba.

Although Messi's contract expires at the end of the 2025 season, some sources told ESPN the Argentine is expected to soon sign a multi-year contract extension with Inter Miami which will keep him in South Florida for a few more seasons.

Hundreds of honors poured in for Alba throughout the day, with former Barcelona teammates Neymar and Suarez who are now also co-workers in Miami commented on the player's announcement on Instagram.

"My brother, what should I do? You're great, what's left," said Suarez.

"You're great, my brother. Hug tightly," Neymar commented.