Recently, Jordi Alba announced that he will retire from professional soccer at the end of the season with Inter Miami. Following the announcement, Lionel Messi commented on the defender’s post with a heartfelt message.

The Argentine and the Spaniard formed a formidable partnership during their time together at Barcelona, where Alba assisted Messi countless times down the left flank. Now together at Inter Miami, the connection between the two has continued — and still works just like in the old days.

“Thank you, Jordi. I’m going to miss you so much. After everything we’ve been through together, it’s going to feel strange to look to my left and not see you there… It’s crazy how many assists you’ve given me over the years… Who’s going to give me those back passes now???” Messi wrote on Alba

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