Messi 'teases' his close friend following retirement decision

Following Jordi Alba’s retirement announcement, Messi’s close companion expressed a sincere message to the Spanish fullback.

Recently, Jordi Alba declared that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season with Inter Miami. Right after this announcement, Lionel Messi left an emotional comment on Alba’s post.

In the past, Messi and the Spanish defender formed a formidable partnership at Barcelona, with Alba frequently assisting Messi from the left flank. Now, playing together at Inter Miami, their connection remains strong and seamless as before.

“Thank you, Jordi. I will miss you a lot. After everything we’ve been through together, it feels strange not to see you on my left... It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over the years… Now who’s going to pass the ball back to me???” Messi wrote on Alba’s Instagram post.

According to statistics from Transfermarkt,Messi and Alba have played a total of 413 matches together during their time at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami. Among these, Messi scored 33 goals assisted by Alba, while Alba netted 15 goals thanks to passes from Messi.

The partnership between Messi and Alba at Barcelona is regarded as one of the finest striker-defender connections in football history. They always found each other on the pitch, and even when opponents anticipated their moves, it was rarely possible to stop them.

Previously, while playing for Barcelona, Jordi Alba shared with the program El Dia Despues on Movistar+ that their understanding with Messi was not something they practiced but came naturally.

“We didn’t practice that. Both Leo and I always look for each other. If I pass the ball to him, I know he will create a chance or score, so I always try to find him. Even though opponents understand us better now, I also try to pass to other teammates. This wasn’t rehearsed. It just happens naturally,” Alba explained.

The duo won every major trophy with Barcelona during their time in Spain. After reuniting at Inter Miami, Messi and Alba were key players in helping the team win the 2023 Leagues Cup, the club’s first major title. A year later, The Herons soared again by claiming the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield with a record points tally.

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