Lionel Messi (36, Paris Saint-Germain) has written farewell letters to former teammates twice in the past two weeks.
Messi took to his personal social networking site on Friday (Aug. 25) to post a message for FC Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, 34. It came shortly after it was officially announced that Alba was leaving Barcelona after 11 years.
Messi wrote: “You were more than a teammate, you were a true partner on the pitch. It was also great that we were able to get along and have fun in private. You know that I will always wish you and your family well. I wish you great success and joy in your new stage. Thank you for everything, Jordi. Big hugs!” he wrote. Alba responded with a heart emoji. 안전놀이터
Alba, a Barcelona youth product and considered one of the best left-backs in the club’s history, moved to Barcelona from Valencia in 2012. The pair enjoyed a nine-year partnership until Messi’s move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. At one point, Messi and Alba were Barcelona’s best attacking options.
Alba won six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles and one European Champions League with Barcelona. He was a member of the 2014-2015 squad when Barcelona last lifted the trophy. He scored 19 goals and made 91 assists in 458 appearances for Barcelona. Due to Barcelona’s financial problems, the club terminated his contract, which was set to run through the 2023-2024 season, a year early.
Messi also wrote a farewell letter on Nov. 11. It was addressed to midfielder Sergio Busquets. Busquets is also leaving Fulham this summer. Messi wrote: “You always played with the number 5, but as a player and as a person you were the number 10. I wish you all the best in your new stage. We had many moments together, good moments and complicated moments, and those will stay with me forever!” he said.
In the two years since Messi’s departure, three other “legends” have parted ways with Barcelona, or are close to doing so. Defender Gerard Pique hung up his boots midway through this season. When Messi returns to Barcelona this summer, as Barcelona president Joan Laporta hopes, he will have few teammates to reminisce with.
Meanwhile, Messi’s post to Alba was met with a dwindling number of comments from fans calling for his return to Barcelona.