Jordi Alba Rubbishes Messi Comparison As He Praises Yamal And Three Other Barcelona Stars

Jordi Alba has shut down growing comparisons between teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi, insisting that the Barcelona legend “has no rival”.
Yamal’s rapid rise from La Masia to global stardom has naturally triggered debates, especially with his left-footed flair, dribbling elegance, and eye for goal. But for Alba — who spent years playing alongside Messi at Barcelona and is now his teammate at Inter Miami — the conversation ends before it even begins.

Messi vs Yamal: Why Alba Says There’s No Debate

The former Barca left-back told El Larguero that while Yamal is extraordinary, he should not be burdened with Messi comparisons.

“I think he’s a great player, but there are others at Barca, like Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong. And I’m leaving out many,” Alba said.
“I think comparing him to Leo… there’s no comparison, but that’s because Leo has no rival.”

Yamal, now 18, has already smashed records since making his senior debut at 15. The flair and confidence are unmistakable — but Alba insists Messi remains in a class of his own, a level nobody will ever replicate.

Jordi Alba Opens Up On Retirement

Alba is preparing to bring his professional career to a close at the end of the 2025 MLS Cup play-offs, even as Messi signs a new three-year deal with Inter Miami.

He explained:
“Honestly, physically I could have lasted another year or two. But because of how I’ve felt, especially at the beginning of the season, and because of the new projects that are coming up… it’s a well-considered decision.”

The 36-year-old says he still enjoys the matches, but the demanding routine of training and constant travel no longer excites him the way it once did. Family life, he admitted, played a major role in his decision.

Will Busquets And Suarez Follow Him Into Retirement?

Alba also weighed in on the future of close friends Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez. Busquets is widely expected to retire soon, while Suarez continues to battle knee issues despite still finding the net regularly.

On Busquets, Alba said:
“These decisions are very personal. We’ve talked about the situation during the year. I’m lucky to share a team and a friendship with him.”

When asked about Suarez’s future, he praised the Uruguayan’s resilience:
“There he is, the guy. It’s everyone’s own decision. It’s not just about changing teams anymore, it’s about quitting football, what you’ve done your whole life.”

A New Era For Barca And Inter Miami

With Alba retiring soon, Busquets contemplating the same, and Messi committing to a fresh chapter at Inter Miami, a legendary trio is slowly approaching the end of an era.
Meanwhile, back in Barcelona, a new wave led by Yamal, Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong is rising — but as Alba reminds the world, Messi’s throne remains untouched.