Special! Jordi Alba Set for Last Career Match in MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba has admitted that Saturday’s MLS Cup Final will carry a unique emotional weight as he steps on the pitch for the last time in his career.

Inter Miami host the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS Cup and it’s set to be an emotional day for Alba. The Spanish defender will lace up for the last time before officially retiring from professional football.

Speaking during MLS Media Day, Alba emphasized how different this moment feels.

“I knew this would be a new experience, but an appealing one,” he said. “I reunited with former teammates, and it’s clear how much the club has grown. Reaching a final is historic for Inter Miami, and while I’ve been fortunate to play many of them, this one is special because it will be my last. It’s a final — there are no favorites — but if we perform well, we’ll have our chances.”

Sergio Busquets #5 and Jordi Alba #18  will play the last game of their professional career on Saturday. (Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Alba refused to compare Saturday’s match with his farewell at Barcelona, a moment he still remembers as deeply emotional. This time, he admits, the uncertainty comes from not knowing how it will actually feel until it happens.

“It’s different because I know it’s my last game,” he explained. “Of course it’s important – it’s a final – but it means even more for the club. No matter what happens, I’m leaving afterward. Hopefully, I can leave with a trophy. Busi is in the same situation as me. I don’t know how I’ll process it because you only feel those emotions in the moment. My last game with Barcelona was very emotional, but this isn’t just changing teams – it’s not playing anymore, and that makes it even bigger.”

Having picked up various major honours – including the 2010 World Cup, the 2015 UEFA Champions League, multiple La Liga titles, and domestic cups, Alba was asked to grade his own career.

He didn’t hesitate:
“I’ve had good and bad matches, like everyone, but I’d give my career an excellent grade. From the moment I left L’Hospitalet, everything felt like a dream. I achieved far more than I ever expected. I can’t complain — I accomplished everything I dreamed of and I’m proud of what I learned with every team I represented,” he said.

Saturday will close the book on Alba’s legendary career and also former international teammate Sergio Busquet.