'Who is going to give me passes now?' - Lionel Messi admits life at Inter Miami will be 'strange' without Jordi Alba in emotional message to retiring team-mate

Alba announced on Thursday that he will call time on his legendary playing career following the conclusion of the current MLS season. In a video on Instagram, the 36-year-old - who lifted several major honours with Barcelona and Spain - said: "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.

"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."

And in an emotional response on Alba’s social media post, Messi - who played alongside Alba at Barcelona between 2012 and 2021 before the pair reunited at Inter Miami in 2023 - wrote: "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?”

Messi was joined by his and Alba’s former Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Luis Suarez, who also paid tribute to the left-back’s incredible career.

Also commenting on Alba’s social media post, Brazil superstar Neymar wrote: "You are huge, brother. Big hug folleti."

And Uruguay legend Suarez, who also plays for Inter Miami, added: "Brother, what to say. You're a crack, to enjoy what's left."

Widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs to ever grace the game, Alba first made an impression at Valencia, where he quickly became one of La Liga’s best players in his position. After three years at the Mestalla Stadium, Alba joined Barcelona in 2012 and - alongside Messi - lifted countless honours in a remarkable period of domestic dominance for the Spanish giants. Alba lifted 17 major trophies with the Blaugrana, including six La Liga titles and five Copa del Rey crowns. He was also part of the famous Barcelona side who won the treble in 2014-15 under Luis Enrique, with the full-back getting his hands on the Champions League title alongside Messi, Suarez and Neymar, who were colloquially called ‘MSN’.

Alba, who also won the 2012 European Championship and the 2023 Nations League with Spain, spent his final two seasons at Barcelona without Messi after the forward departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. However, the duo were reunited at Inter Miami two years later, with Messi joining on 16 July 2023 and Alba following suit just four days later. And the pair have lifted two trophies during their time together in the United States, adding both the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield to their already-glittering CVs. Miami later completed their contingent of Barcelona legends by signing both Suarez and Sergio Busquets, with the latter confirming he will also retire at the end of the current campaign.

Alba, Messi, Suarez and Busquets are all expected to be in action when Inter Miami entertain Atlanta United on Saturday. The Herons, who are co-owned by Manchester United and England legend David Beckham, were victorious last time out, defeating the New England Revolution 4-1 with Alba scoring twice at the Chase Stadium. Miami have already booked a spot in the playoffs, with Alba and Busquets bidding to sign off their respective careers with MLS Cup glory.