Messi Gets Emotional: Opens Up On Missing Barcelona And The Surprise Exit Of Jordi Alba

Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about his deep affection for Barcelona and expressed surprise at the recent retirements of his longtime friends and former teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

In a recent interview cited by Ireporter Online, the Inter Miami captain reflected on the emotional bond he continues to share with Barcelona fans, describing their enduring support as “heartwarming” and “nostalgic.”

“It’s wonderful. Whenever I receive messages from Barcelona, from those years, it always makes me feel nostalgic and quite moved,” Messi said. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who spent over two decades at the Catalan club, admitted that the passage of time has made him even more appreciative of his years at Camp Nou.

“Honestly, I miss those days immensely. Perhaps I appreciate that happiness more now than I did then. Back then, I was always focused on the next match and didn’t truly stop to savour those moments. Now, looking back with a calmer mindset, it all feels even more precious,” he explained.

Messi revealed that he occasionally revisits his old Barcelona highlights, which often stir up powerful memories. “Of course, I enjoy watching those clips,” he noted. “They represent meaningful and significant moments—pivotal instants worth remembering and treasuring.”

Speaking about his 2021 departure from Barcelona, the World Cup winner described it as one of the most emotional periods of his career, made even more difficult by the pandemic restrictions that prevented a proper farewell.

“Leaving Barcelona left me with complex feelings because it happened so suddenly. My final days there were during the pandemic, without spectators. I’d spent my entire career at the club but couldn’t say goodbye the way I wanted,” Messi said. “I always thought I’d finish my career in Barcelona or at least in Europe before moving here to the U.S. That was my plan and my dream. The departure was strange, but I know the love from the fans will always remain.”

When asked about the retirements of Busquets and Alba, Messi admitted that while Busquets’ decision had been in discussion for some time, Alba’s announcement came as a complete shock.

“Honestly, it was quite surprising, especially in Jordi’s case. We had talked about Busquets’ future before, but Alba’s retirement came out of nowhere. One day, he told us in the dressing room that he was retiring, and we were stunned. None of us expected it,” Messi revealed.

The Argentine superstar, who now shares the pitch with both players at Inter Miami, said their friendship and shared journey have made their time together even more meaningful.

“You could see time was running out for all of us,” he reflected. “We’re from the same generation, and we’ve shared almost our entire careers together. It’s been a privilege to experience these final years side by side.”