'Tough to See Friends Go': Lionel Messi Bids Emotional Farewell; Reflects On Alba, Busquets Retirement

Last Updated:November 02, 2025, 18:02 IST

Messi reflects on Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring after the 2025 MLS season, while he extended his Inter Miami contract to 2028, cherishing their final moments together.

Messi, Alba and Busquets share a moment (X)

Lionel Messi has admitted it’s hard to process that two of his closest friends and long-time teammates, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, will soon hang up their boots.

Busquets confirmed last month that he will retire at the end of the 2025 MLS season, capping off a glittering career for club and country. Alba followed suit earlier this month, with both players hoping to bow out as MLS champions alongside Messi at Inter Miami.

Speaking to Fabrizio Romano for Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, Messi opened up about the emotional side of watching his former Barcelona teammates prepare to say goodbye to the game.

“Honestly, it’s tough," Messi said. “You realise you’ve devoted your whole professional life to soccer. You see people around you starting to leave, and you understand that your own time will come soon."

He continued, “We were always in harmony on and off the field and shared a lot, even with our families. So it’s a loss of friends, both on and off the field. And of course, these are difficult moments for them, because leaving behind something you love is never easy."

While Busquets and Alba are preparing to close their chapters, Messi has no intention of following them just yet.

Earlier this month, the Argentine icon signed a contract extension through 2028, widely expected to be the final deal of his legendary career.

“It makes me really happy to stay here and continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality; playing in this stadium, at Miami Freedom Park," Messi said in the announcement.

“Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here."

For now, Inter Miami’s golden trio remains intact as one last dance remains before two of football’s finest take their final bow.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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