MIAMI — Jordi Alba, one of the best left backs of his generation, announced on Tuesday morning that he will retire at the end of this Inter Miami season.

His legendary, almost telepathic connection with Lionel Messi, streaking up the left flank and delivering perfect crosses to Messi’s feet, created many memorable goals for both players throughout their careers at FC Barcelona and the past few years with Inter Miami.

The news came as a shock, considering that Alba, 36, in May signed a contract extension through 2027. He joins former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Sergio Busquets, who announced two weeks ago that he also will retire at the end of this season.

“The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life,” Alba said on his official social media account. “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. ... And now it’s the right moment to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.”

Messi responded: “Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you a lot. After so many things together, it’s going to be strange to look to my left and not see you there. … It’s crazy how many assists you gave me over all these years. … Who’s going to give me the back passes now???”

The departure of Busquets and Alba means Messi will lose two of his most talented teammates and closest friends. It will also open two designated player spots in 2026. One spot will go to Rodrigo De Paul, whose loan option will be exercised at the end of the season, making him a DP.

Alba made $6 million this season, so his exit leaves payroll money for Inter Miami to go after another big-name player to join Messi, who is finalizing a multi-year contract extension, which is expected to be announced soon.

It remains to be seen whether the fourth Barcelona alumnus, 38-year-old Luis Suarez, retires or signs for another season.

Inter Miami is already working on signing another left back. According to multiple sources, the club is in advanced talks to sign Spanish left-back Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer. Reguilon, 28, previously played for Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United. He left Tottenham in July and had not yet found a new team.

Before joining Messi in Miami in July 2023, Alba spent most of his career in LaLiga, producing 37 goals and 107 assists in 605 matches across all competitions with Valencia and Barca.

Alba sounded fully committed to a few more years with Inter Miami when he signed the extension in May, but he had had a change of heart. According to sources, it was a strictly personal decision, as he wants to spend more time with his family.

When he signed in May he said: “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. …We have that desire to continue competing, to continue winning, and, hopefully, win as many titles as possible.”

Although he is technically a defender, he is a vital part of Miami’s attack. He has 13 assists this season, which ranks second to Messi (17), and he has scored five goals, including two last weekend in a 4-1 win over New England.

Earlier this season, speaking on his connection with Messi, Alba said: “The relationship is the same as always. Playing with Leo makes me a better player, and we understand each other just by looking at each other.”

He was a key player throughout a record-breaking 2024 season for Inter Miami. He helped lead the team to its first Supporters’ Shield title and the MLS single-season points record. He had 20 goal contributions (five goals and 15 assists) in 31 appearances during the MLS season and playoffs and had 21 assists across all 38 matches.

Prior to joining Inter Miami in 2023, Alba had a stellar career in Spain. He was a key member of Spain’s 2012 UEFA Euro title-winning team, captained the national team and lifted the trophy as they were crowned 2023 UEFA Nations League champions. At the club level, he played with Messi, Busquets and Suarez at Barcelona and won LaLiga six times, the UEFA Champions League once, a FIFA Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey seven times.

He was named to the 2012 UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament as well as to the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season and the LaLiga Team of the Season once each.

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