The Argentine legend Lionel Messi commented on his teammate and friend Jordi Alba's announcement of his retirement from football at the end of the season, directing him an emotional farewell message via his Instagram account.

Messi wrote: "Thank you, Jordi. I will miss you a lot. After everything we have been through together, it will be strange to look to the left side and not see you there... Wow! How many assists you have provided me throughout these years!"

Messi and Alba share a special relationship both on and off the pitch since they played together at Barcelona for over a decade, forming an exceptional attacking duo that made the left side of the Catalan team one of its strongest weapons.

This understanding continued even in their recent experience with Inter Miami, before Alba decided to put an end to his professional career after a journey full of titles and successes.

Messi's message reflects the strength of the bond he shared with his Spanish teammate and highlights Alba's significant value during one of the most successful eras in Barcelona's history.