Jordi Alba, Spanish Football Icon, Announces Retirement

Inter Miami figures Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have conveyed sincere sentiments to Jordi Alba, who revealed his decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign.

The Spanish luminary and Inter Miami defender, Jordi Alba, communicated the news via a social media announcement on Tuesday.

Alba attained substantial success during his tenure with Barcelona, cultivating a robust rapport with Messi both on and off the field. Subsequently, they reunited at Inter Miami following their prime years.

Messi delivered a moving homage to the left-back on social media in response to Alba’s retirement announcement.

Lionel Messi expressed, “Thank you, Jordi. Your presence will be profoundly missed. Having shared so much together, it will feel unusual to glance left and not find you there.”

Jordi Alba had formalized an agreement with Inter Miami earlier in the year, committing until 2027, and was initially anticipated to prolong his playing career.

However, he underwent a change in perspective and articulated his rationale in an intimate social media communication.

Alba stated, “I proceed with absolute conviction, serenity, and joy, as I believe I have traversed this path with every fiber of passion within me. Now, the moment is opportune to inaugurate a fresh chapter and conclude the preceding one with the most favorable sentiment.”

“Football has unequivocally bestowed upon me everything. Gratitude to my teammates, mentors, support staff, club personnel, and adversaries who propelled me to deliver my utmost.”

Throughout his career, Alba amassed 37 goals and 107 assists across 605 matches in all competitions with Barcelona, instrumental in securing six La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy for the club.

Former Barcelona colleagues Luis Suarez and Neymar Jr also contributed their expressions of encouragement.

Suarez remarked, “Brother, what can one say? You’re exceptional; relish what remains.”

Neymar commented, “You are immense, brother. Big hug folleti”.