A heartfelt farewell: Barcelona legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba say goodbye to European football and embark on their final adventure with Inter Miami
From the shores of the Mediterranean to the sunny beaches of South Florida, two stars who defined a golden era in world football are bringing their illustrious careers to a close. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba—pillars of some of Barcelona’s greatest teams—have announced their retirements, leaving a void that will be impossible to fill. One discovered by Pep Guardiola, the other brought back by Luis Enrique, both will now reunite with their longtime friend and captain Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, where they will hang up their boots at the end of the season—capping a story that will be remembered for generations of football fans.
Busquets’ impact on the game goes far beyond statistics. As Juan Román Riquelme once said: «Sergio Busquets puzzled the football world. From the moment he appeared, we started thinking the number 5 should be the one who passes well, and that if a team plays badly, it’s the midfielder’s fault. We forgot that before, the number 10 made the team play well. He’s the only number 5 I’ve ever seen who could also have been a number 10. He does everything right. There’s only one Busquets.»
And Riquelme was right. Since joining Inter Miami in July 2023, Busquets has made 105 appearances, leaving his mark with intelligence, composure, and leadership. He wasn’t a prolific scorer, but his lone goal for Las Garzas—a strike against Nashville SC in April 2024—will be remembered. Beyond the numbers—16 assists, 20 yellow cards, and a single red card across nearly 9,000 minutes—Busquets helped lift trophies like the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield. Yet the ultimate prize, the MLS Cup, still eludes him, promising one last epic challenge for a truly unique player.
Jordi Alba, meanwhile, has also decided to call time on his professional career. A left-back who dazzled for Barcelona and Spain, Alba felt physically fit but chose to step aside. “I think the most honest thing is to step aside. I feel good, but I think it’s the right decision,” he said. His career boasts three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022), six La Liga titles, and a Champions League trophy. Alba will end his journey at Inter Miami after a
season of ups and downs. “The best thing is to step aside. I’m proud of the career I’ve had,” he added.
Now, these two warriors, who lit up Barcelona and the Spanish national team, prepare for their final weeks in the MLS, leaving an indelible mark on football history. The sporting world says goodbye to irreplaceable talents whose skill, professionalism, and love for the game will never be forgotten. Football in Barcelona—and Spain—will never be the same without them.