Messi Stunned by Jordi Alba's Shocking Decision to Hang Up His Boots
Lionel Messi delivered a touching tribute to his long-time companion Jordi Alba following the defender's retirement announcement, describing a future without the Spanish player as "unusual."
The 36-year-old Alba made a surprising declaration on Tuesday regarding his intention to step away from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025 Major League Soccer campaign, despite having inked a fresh deal with Inter Miami in May that would have extended his career through 2027. Messi, among Alba's most enduring teammates, was swift to offer a sincere response.
"Thank you, Jordi. You'll be deeply missed. After sharing so much together, it will feel odd to glance left and not find you there," Messi wrote on Instagram. "It's incredible how many assists you provided me throughout these years... Who will deliver those perfect passes now???"
Another Iconic Messi Partner Steps Away
Messi and Alba initially joined forces during the 2012–13 season. Following his UEFA European Championship triumph with Spain, the left-back transferred to Barcelona, sparking a legendary collaboration. The pair secured five La Liga championships, five Copa del Rey victories, three Spanish Super Cup titles, the 2014–15 Champions League crown, and the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup.
Upon their Miami reunion in 2023, the partnership flourished once more. They captured the Leagues Cup in 2023 before achieving a historic Supporters' Shield triumph in 2024. Their hope remains that Alba's career concludes triumphantly with an MLS Cup victory.
"I make this decision with complete certainty, tranquility, and joy. I believe I've traveled this journey with maximum dedication, and now represents the perfect moment to begin a fresh chapter while concluding the previous one with the most positive emotions," Alba expressed in his statement.
With Sergio Busquets also planning to retire following this season's conclusion, 2026 will mark a transformative phase in Messi's legendary journey.
Statistical Overview of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba's Partnership
Matches Played | Total Minutes Played | Teams | Joint Goal Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
413 | 32,770 | Barcelona, Inter MIami | 48 |
*Statistics per Transfermarkt, as of Oct. 7, 2025
Messi and Alba have featured in 413 contests together spanning Barcelona and Miami. The Spanish defender ranks behind only former colleague and current Miami manager Javier Mascherano (414), Andrés Iniesta (489), Gerard Piqué (506), and Busquets (643).
Regarding collaborative goal contributions, Alba and Messi combined for 48 strikes together—ranking fifth among all Messi partnerships. Only Luis Suárez (120), Neymar (67), Pedro (54), and Iniesta (53) have formed more productive attacking combinations with Messi.
Win-Loss Record of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba Together
Wins | Draws | Losses | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
277 | 74 | 62 | 2.19 |
*Statistics per Transfermarkt, as of Oct. 7, 2025
Alba also stands as Messi's fifth most victorious teammate regarding match victories. The duo has claimed 277 triumphs together across all tournaments. Alba trails Mascherano (292), Iniesta (337), Gerard Piqué (354), and Sergio Busquets (448) in this category.