Key Takeaways:
- Jordi Alba confirmed on Tuesday that he will retire at the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, closing his distinguished career
- On social media, Lionel Messi expressed that it will feel “strange” at Inter Miami without Alba on the pitch following his announcement
- Inter Miami will next face Atlanta United at home on Saturday, with Alba, Messi, Suarez, and Busquets all set to feature
Alba Confirms Retirement Amid Tributes from Former Colleagues
Jordi Alba officially announced his decision to retire from professional football upon the conclusion of the current MLS season. The 36-year-old, whose trophy-laden journey has seen him claim honours with both Barcelona and Spain, shared a heartfelt message via Instagram. In his words: “The moment has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life. I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season.
📲❤️ Leo Messi to Jordi Alba: "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… pic.twitter.com/F3IKMN6jdW
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 7, 2025
“I do so with complete conviction, peace and happiness. Because I feel I’ve walked this path with every ounce of passion I had and now it’s the right time to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.
“Football has given me absolutely everything. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, staff, club workers and rivals who pushed me to give my very best. I want to specially thank the clubs that have shaped my life.”
Messi, Neymar, and Suarez Celebrate Alba’s Accomplishments
In response to Alba’s retirement announcement, Lionel Messi took to Instagram to post an emotional tribute. Messi, who shared the field with Alba at Barcelona from 2012 until 2021 and reunited with him at Inter Miami in 2023, commented: “Thanks to you, Jordi. I am going to miss you a lot. After many things 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 is going to give me those passes from behind now?”
Notably, former Barcelona icons Neymar and Luis Suarez also offered tributes to Alba’s illustrious career. Neymar wrote: “You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti.” Meanwhile, Suarez, currently a team-mate at Inter Miami, added: “Brother, what to say. You’re a crack, to enjoy what’s left.”
Alba’s Career Milestones: Honours and Impact
Jordi Alba is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history. His journey began to gain prominence at Valencia, quickly becoming a standout performer in La Liga. In 2012, he made a high-profile switch to Barcelona, where he formed part of a formidable squad that dominated Spanish football over the next decade.
| Club | Years | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|
| Valencia | 2009-2012 | – |
| Barcelona | 2012-2023 | 17 (including 6 La Liga titles, 5 Copa del Rey, 1 Champions League) |
| Inter Miami | 2023-2025 | 2023 Leagues Cup, 2024 Supporters’ Shield |
With Barcelona, Alba won 17 major trophies, comprising six La Liga championships and five Copa del Rey crowns, and played a pivotal part in their historic 2014-15 treble that included the UEFA Champions League. On the international stage, Alba lifted the 2012 European Championship and the 2023 Nations League with Spain. The legendary full-back spent his final two seasons at the Camp Nou after Messi departed for Paris Saint-Germain, before the duo reunited in Miami.
Barcelona Legends Reunited in Major League Soccer
Messi and Alba both joined Inter Miami in July 2023, with Messi signing on 16 July and Alba arriving just four days later. Since then, they have combined to add both the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield to their already extensive list of achievements. Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez later joined the club, further bolstering Miami’s contingent of Barça icons. Notably, Busquets has also confirmed his intention to retire at the end of the current campaign.
Inter Miami’s Next Fixture: Attention Turns to Atlanta United
The Herons, co-owned by David Beckham, host Atlanta United on Saturday as Alba, Messi, Suarez, and Busquets are all expected to feature. Miami head into the match on the back of a commanding 4-1 victory over New England Revolution at Chase Stadium, during which Alba found the net twice. With playoff qualification already secured, Alba and Busquets will hope to conclude their illustrious careers in the United States by lifting the MLS Cup.
