Lionel Messi commemorated the contributions of his longtime teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets following Inter Miami’s triumph in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. The match marked a significant milestone as it served as the final professional appearance for both Alba and Busquets, who announced their retirements earlier in the week.
Messi, who has shared much of his illustrious career with the pair at FC Barcelona, expressed his gratitude and admiration in the post-match celebration. Their final outing as teammates was punctuated by a championship, giving a fitting send-off to two players who have played pivotal roles in both club and international football.
Alba and Busquets joined Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, reuniting with Messi after years of success at Barcelona. Over the past two seasons, the trio has brought veteran leadership and experience to the MLS side, culminating in a strong campaign that ended with the club securing its first MLS championship.
Busquets, known for his composure and intelligence in the midfield, was instrumental in organizing play and maintaining structure throughout the match. Alba, who contributed both defensively and offensively from the fullback position, was active on the left flank and played with his trademark intensity. Their performances on Saturday reflected the qualities that made them stalwarts of one of the most successful periods in club football history.
In his remarks following the victory, Messi described the moment as ‘special’ and emphasized how meaningful it was to share one last success with two players who have meant so much to his career. The trio won numerous titles together during their time at Barcelona, including La Liga championships and Champions League titles.
The 2025 MLS Cup final will likely be remembered as not only a crowning achievement for Inter Miami but also as an emotional farewell for two of European football’s most decorated players. Their legacy in the sport is secure, and their influence on the development of Inter Miami will continue to resonate in the years ahead.
