Quick Read
- Jordi Alba retired after Inter Miami’s 2025 MLS Cup victory, ending his career with 103 games, 15 goals, and 33 assists for the club.
- Alba, alongside Sergio Busquets, transformed Inter Miami’s culture and helped secure its first league title.
- Messi publicly thanked Alba and Busquets for joining him in Miami and finishing their careers on a high note.
- Alba, Messi, and Busquets became the first players to win both the FIFA World Cup and the MLS Cup.
Jordi Alba’s Triumphant Goodbye: A Legacy Cemented in Miami
For Jordi Alba, the night of December 6, 2025 will forever mark the closing chapter of a career defined by speed, intelligence, and relentless spirit. As Inter Miami clinched a decisive 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup final, it wasn’t just a team that celebrated its first league title—it was also the moment when one of football’s most dynamic left-backs bid farewell to the game, on his own terms and at the peak of achievement.
From Barcelona to Miami: A New Adventure with Old Friends
When Alba joined Inter Miami in 2023, he reunited with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. Together, the trio brought not only star power but a winning mentality that quickly transformed the Herons from hopeful newcomers into championship contenders. Their arrival marked a new era for the club, which had just suffered a disappointing exit in the 2024 postseason. By 2025, the narrative had shifted—Miami was no longer chasing respect; it was setting the standard.
The synergy between Alba, Messi, and Busquets was palpable both on and off the pitch. Their deep understanding, forged over years at the Camp Nou, helped the team gel and instilled a culture of ambition and professionalism. Alba’s marauding runs down the left flank and his trademark pinpoint crosses added a fresh dimension to Miami’s attack, while Busquets anchored the midfield with his trademark composure. Messi, as captain, was the glue and the inspiration.
Final Match, Final Milestones: Alba’s Last Stand
Saturday’s MLS Cup win was more than just a trophy—it was a fitting send-off for Alba and Busquets, who both announced their retirement following the match. The celebration was emotional, with Messi taking to social media to thank his Spanish friends: “And thank you, Busi and Jordi, for joining me on this adventure and finishing it in the best way. I’m also very happy with you.” The message, echoing years of shared triumphs, resonated with fans who had watched the trio’s journey from Barcelona to Miami.
Alba’s statistics in Miami are a testament to his impact: 103 appearances, 15 goals, and 33 assists. He leaves as one of the few players to reach the 100-match milestone for the club—a mark of consistency and excellence. Busquets, too, departs after 116 matches, 1 goal, and 16 assists. Their influence extended beyond numbers; both became mentors for younger players and leaders in the dressing room.
Transforming Inter Miami: Leadership and Legacy
What Alba and Busquets brought to Inter Miami went far beyond technical skills. They helped instill a sense of belief and professionalism that lifted the entire organization. In just two seasons, they helped guide the Herons to a championship, showing how experience at the highest levels of European football can translate into success in the burgeoning landscape of Major League Soccer.
For the club, their departure signals the end of an era. Replacing two such seasoned leaders will be a challenge, but the legacy they leave behind—of teamwork, humility, and relentless pursuit of excellence—will continue to inspire those who follow.
Setting Records and Building New Histories
The 2025 MLS Cup not only marked the club’s first league triumph but also an exclusive achievement in world football. Alba, Messi, and Busquets became the first players to win both the FIFA World Cup and the MLS Cup, joining Rodrigo De Paul in an elite group. This dual success highlights the global nature of the sport and underscores the growing prestige of MLS as a destination for top talent.
Had the Vancouver Whitecaps won, German star Thomas Müller would have joined the club, but instead, it’s the Miami trio who now stand alone in this rarefied company. Their achievement is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the evolving competitiveness of American soccer.
A New Chapter Begins
As Alba and Busquets hang up their boots, attention turns to the future. For Alba, retirement comes with the satisfaction of having left everything on the field, closing his career with a championship and a legacy that stretches from Barcelona’s storied halls to Miami’s sun-soaked pitches. For Inter Miami, the challenge is to build upon the foundation laid by these Spanish legends, continuing to attract world-class talent and foster a culture of winning.
Fans around the world will remember Jordi Alba not just for his trophies, but for his passion, reliability, and the infectious joy he brought to every match. His journey, from the heights of European football to a triumphant exit in the United States, serves as a powerful reminder that greatness is defined not just by where you start, but by how you finish.
Jordi Alba’s retirement as an MLS champion is more than a personal farewell—it’s a reflection of football’s global reach and the transformative power of leadership. His legacy at Inter Miami sets a benchmark for future generations, proving that experience, humility, and teamwork can drive even new clubs to historic heights.