Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba says he does not believe Lionel Messi wants FC Barcelona to rename the Camp Nou in his honour, despite the Argentine’s legendary status at the club.
Alba, now at Inter Miami, is nearing the end of his professional career and has confirmed he will retire once the MLS season concludes following the same path as teammate Sergio Busquets, who recently announced his own exit from competitive football.
Speaking on Cadena SER’s El Larguero, the 35 year old reflected on Messi’s recent surprise visit to the Camp Nou and the growing calls for the club to commemorate the World Cup winner with a historic tribute.
“He wants a tribute and I hope he gets it. He deserves it. It will be a very beautiful celebration. Everyone is waiting for that moment. He is the best in history, and the Camp Nou deserves to vibrate with him again.”
Alba revealed he found out about Messi’s visit only after being tipped off by his father.
“Messi didn’t tell me anything about the visit. My father warned me. I’ll go and see him with the family.”
But when asked about renaming the stadium after Messi, Alba was firm in his belief that the Argentine star would not want such a gesture.
“For everything he means to Barça, people talk about naming the stadium after him. But I don’t think Leo wants the Camp Nou to be named after him.”
Alba on His Barcelona Exit
The veteran full back also opened up about his departure from Barcelona in 2023 after spending over a decade at the club.
“I had a year left on my contract and another optional one, but I had no problem stepping aside. I thought it was the right time. I could have stayed another year, maybe two, but I don’t regret it.”
Alba left Barcelona as one of the most decorated full backs in club history, winning six La Liga titles, a Champions League, and multiple domestic trophies.
On Lamine Yamal: “No sense comparing him to Messi”
Alba also weighed in on Barcelona’s latest superstar, Lamine Yamal, who has risen rapidly from La Masia to become a key figure for club and country at just 17.
While full of praise, Alba cautioned against drawing comparisons to Messi.
“He is a great player, like Frenkie de Jong, Pedri or Gavi, but comparing him to Leo makes no sense. There is no possible comparison.”
Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s most important attacking outlets under Hansi Flick, but Alba believes Messi’s legacy remains unmatched.