Lionel Messi is missing two great partners, two teams with whom he shared great football moments and winning important titles. A trio that began to write glorious pages Barcelona and that in InterMiami concluded the last chapter. Messi continues that he has extended his contract with Las Garzas until 2028, but Sergio Busquets (37 years old) and Jordi Alba (36) have ended their careers and are leaving football, as they announced months ago.
And the farewell stood on the podium and shouted “Champions!” behind him Inter Miami beat Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the MLS final at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Both Messi, Busquets and Alba joined the American franchise at the same time: Mid-2023. Leo came from Paris Saint-Germain and the two Spaniards came from Barcelona.
The three, now veterans, joined a new project and needed the experience and hierarchy of those who had already won all the titles at club level in Europe and in the national team. The reunification immediately bore fruit with the League Cup and gave the MLS the desired finishing touches.
Still on the pitch, after raising the huge trophy, Messi said a few words to his former teammates from tomorrow: “For what we have achieved, for them the truth is that it is very nice for everyone to end their careers in this way.” They deserve it based on what they were as players. the two largest or one of the largest in history. Everyone in his position, with all the careers he has had, the titles he has won and the opportunity to retire with this MLS. They are friends, I love them very much, I am grateful to have spent a large part of my career with them.”
The symbiosis between the three was reflected in Alba’s words while he was still on the field as the celebrations came to an end. This dialogue took place with a reporter.
-Dusk: Busquets and I knew before the game that we would win. That’s why we have already planned the celebration.
-Journalist: As? What gave you so much confidence?
-Dusk: Because Messi wouldn’t let us give up without winning the trophy.
Javier Mascherano, As some realized that when he moved to Barcelona he had agreed to take on the central defender position because it was impossible to displace Busquets in the midfield axis, he had found words for two players who will no longer be in the squad from 2026: “It’s a pleasure to be able to say goodbye to two football legends in the best way. They deserve to go out the front door.” They are two players who made history and helped to completely transform this club. together with Leo. Inter Miami’s history is very short and they came to change course. I’m happy because I know what it meant for her to leave like that. The first person I hugged was Jordi because I had Busi very far away. In the speech before the final I said that it was the last game for them, but that everyone had to play as if it was the last game. And we played it with our hearts when our legs couldn’t take it anymore.
Busquets received 32 titles with Barcelona, two with Inter Miami and a World Cup and a European Championship with Spain. Alba’s harvest is 17 titles with Barcelona, two with Inter Miami, a European Cup and a Nations League with Spain.
Because of his tactical skills and understanding of the game, Busquets was considered the best midfielder in the world. the type of player who makes his teammates better, who makes it easier for him with a pass or a cover. One of his coaches in the Spanish national team, Vicente del Bosqueonce said that if he were a player again he would like to look like Busquets.
Alba was a full-back with wing spirit, a role he performed during his time at Valencia. A great partner of Messi in his predictions. Leo always found him with his assists and also benefited from the team’s crosses. A telepathic understanding.
Football compatibility has been extended to their families, who usually meet frequently. This Saturday they were photographed with their wives and children in front of an archway that also featured Luis Suárez, another survivor of unforgettable moments in Barcelona, who recently lost his place among the starters of Inter Miami due to the very good news of Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti.
The time has come, Busquets and Alba hang up their boots and the history of football reserves a privileged place for them.
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