Lionel Messi is set to feature in a team without the player who 'knows him to perfection' after he announced his surprise retirement, just months after signing a new deal.
It was news that came as a shock to many. On Tuesday afternoon, Inter Miami full-back Jordi Alba announced he will retire from football following the 2025 Major League Soccer season.
"The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life," Alba said. "I've decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season."
"I do so with complete conviction, with peace and with happiness because I feel I've walked this path with every ounce of passion I had," he added. "And now it's the right moment to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling."
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Alba's decision comes just months after he penned a contract extension that was due to run until the end of 2027.
The 36-year-old, who has made over 700 appearances across a 19-year career, expressed his delight after signing the deal in May.
“I’m happy to renew my contract because I have the desire to continue competing, and because of how I feel at the club, with the affection I receive from fans at every match,” he said at the time.
“We have that desire to continue competing, to continue winning, and, hopefully, win as many titles as possible.”
But after much consideration, the Spaniard will hang up his boots this year, meaning an emotional final game playing alongside his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi is upon us.
Messi left a heartfelt comment on Alba's Instagram post on Tuesday.
It read: “Thank you, Jordi. I’ll miss you a lot. After everything we’ve experienced together, it’ll feel strange to look to the left side and not see you there. Crazy how many assists you’ve given me over all these years!”
The Argentine has previously opened up on the special relationship they share on the pitch. "Jordi Alba knows me to perfection,” Messi told Catalunya Radio in 2018, as per The Mirror.
"He knows when I will give him a no-look pass. I have a special connection with him."
Inter Miami owner reacts to Jordi Alba retirement news
Jorge Mas, the managing owner of Inter Miami, said: “Jordi has been an exceptional addition to Inter Miami and one of the standout players in Major League Soccer over these two seasons.
"His experience, consistency, and attacking contribution have been very important to the club’s success."
He added: "Beyond the goals and assists, he has been a great asset within the team and an exemplary professional. Those that know me know that family is the most important part of my life, and Jordi will forever be part of our Inter Miami family. We wish Jordi all the happiness in this new stage of his life.”
Should they reach the MLS Cup, Alba's last professional match would be in December.
Topics: Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, MLS, Major League Soccer
Jack Kenmare