Messi suddenly felt alone when both Busquets and Alba retired.

In just a few weeks, Lionel Messi had to witness two close friends, two of his most compatible partners on the pitch, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, announce their retirement.

Lionel Messi suddenly felt helpless when both Busquet and Alba retired - Photo: AFP

The dream reunion of Barca legends at Inter Miami is coming to an end. And it leaves a huge void and big questions about the future of superstar Messi.

Who passes the ball to Messi now?

Late on October 7, 36-year-old full-back Jordi Alba officially announced that he will hang up his boots after this year's MLS season ends. On his personal page, he posted a short message: "Jordi Alba. Thank you, football."

In a statement to the club, Alba said: "This has been a carefully considered decision. I feel now is the right time to start a new chapter and fully enjoy time with my family after so many years of dedication to professional football."

The announcement comes just weeks after another close friend of Messi's, midfielder Sergio Busquets, made a similar decision.

The simultaneous passing of two teammates who had been with him throughout his career left Messi emotional.

This loss has deeply affected Messi personally. On his personal page, he shared emotional lines to Alba, who has assisted him many goals in Barca and Inter Miami.

"Thank you, Jordi. I'm going to miss you so much. After everything we've been through together, it's weird to look to my left and not see you there anymore.

“It’s crazy to think about the number of assists you gave me over the years. Now, who will pass the ball to me?” Messi wrote.

This confession clearly shows Messi's disappointment at losing his best partner on the left wing.

What future for Messi in Miami?

The retirement of Busquets and Alba is said to have a big impact on Messi's own decision. His contract with Inter Miami will also expire in December and the two sides have not yet signed an agreement to extend it.

Messi is still having a great season at the age of 38 - Photo: REUTERS

However, Inter Miami fans still have reason to be optimistic. According to ESPN, Messi's future at the club is also tied to a promise with his compatriot Rodrigo De Paul.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder is said to have agreed to join Inter Miami this summer after receiving assurances that Messi will stay until the end of the 2026 MLS season.

Most likely, even though the two close friends are no longer playing together, Messi will continue to play with Luis Suarez and De Paul for at least one more season to keep his promise.

As of October 2025, Lionel Messi is having an explosive and productive season for Inter Miami as well as the Argentina national team. He continues to prove his superstar status by scoring 34 goals and providing 16 assists in 44 appearances.

A new era is ahead for Inter Miami. The club will have to find worthy replacements for two legends who have just retired.

But Messi and the team have one final goal in mind: to fight their way through the playoffs to win their first MLS Cup title in history. This could be a more meaningful farewell gift for Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

THANH DINH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/messi-bong-bo-vo-khi-ca-busquets-va-alba-cung-giai-nghe-20251008103927655.htm