“He knows when I’ll give him a no-look pass” - When Lionel Messi named teammate who knows him to ‘perfection’
Lionel Messi has played with several top players at both club and international levels. However, the Argentine ace admitted that the 'special connection' has been with just one player – Jordi Alba.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio in 2018, Messi stated that Alba knew his movements on the pitch to perfection. He added that they knew where to find each other on the pitch with ease and said:
"Jordi Alba knows me to perfection. He knows when I will give him a no-look pass. I have a special connection with him."
Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi have played 366 matches together for Barcelona and Inter Miami. They have combined for 38 goals, 11 of which were scored by the Spaniard.
Jordi Alba rejected multiple offers to reunite with Lionel Messi
Jordi Alba had offers on his table from several clubs willing to pay more than what Inter Miami had proposed. However, the reunion with Lionel Messi saw the left-back reject everyone and move to the MLS side from Barcelona in 2023.
Speaking to the media after his move, Alba admitted his former Barca teammates Messi and Sergio Busquets were key in his decision to join the MLS side. He added that Tata Martino was also someone he knew and said via GOAL:
"Despite the offers I had for more money, the priority for me was to feel important. I think I made the right decision. This is the club that tried the hardest to get me. I am very happy to reunite with Leo and Busi here at Inter Miami. Not just us three as players but there is a group of players here who are also very good who will help us and us them so that we win all the games we play. We know Tata [Gerardo Martino], he knows us. I am a very competitive player, and this project is very familiar. That's why I made the decision to come here. I've only been here three or four days, but it feels like I've been here all my life."
Jordi Alba has played 37 matches across competitions since moving to Inter Miami, registering six goals and eight assists.