The Spaniard admitted that playing alongside Messi was the greatest privilege of his career and confirmed his retirement at the end of the season with Inter Miami

Jordi Alba’s career is reaching its final chapter. At 36, the Spanish left-back will bring an end to a journey filled with titles, accolades, and unforgettable moments. The Inter Miami defender confirmed he will hang up his boots at the end of the season—a carefully considered decision that closes a golden era. But before doing so, he wanted to pay tribute to the man he considers the greatest footballer of all time: Lionel Messi.

“I never imagined I’d get to play with the best in history, or have the connection we share on the pitch,” Alba said in an interview with Sport. His words capture the chemistry they built over nearly a decade together at FC Barcelona, a partnership now rekindled in the United States with Inter Miami.

A Partnership That Defined an Era

Since their time together at Barcelona, the connection between Messi and Alba has been one of the deadliest in modern football. The Argentine found in the Spanish left-back a perfect partner to dismantle defenses—combining speed, intelligence, and pinpoint accuracy. “It’s been a privilege. I’ve played practically my entire career with him, and we still understand each other without even looking. It’s an honor to have shared the field with Leo, who for me is the best player in history,” the Spaniard added.

Messi, still shining in MLS, has expressed sadness over the imminent retirement of his longtime friend. Both joined Inter Miami to write one last chapter together, alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez, in a project aiming to win the American championship for the first time.

A Thoughtful Farewell, Without Regrets

Alba explained that his decision to retire isn’t due to a physical decline but rather an inner sense of closure. “At the start of the year, I began feeling things I’d never felt before. It’s a decision made calmly and confidently. It hurts because I’ve been playing football since I was four years old, but I think it’s the right time,” he said.

Financially, the veteran full-back earns six million dollars, far from Messi’s salary—over 20 million, the highest in MLS. Still, money was never his main motivation. “I’m happy in Miami, but I miss Barcelona,” he admitted.

When the curtain falls, Alba will leave behind more than just trophies—he’ll leave a legacy of loyalty, professionalism, and an eternal connection with Lionel Messi, the teammate who turned his career into a symphony of passes, goals, and unforgettable memories.