Lionel Messi says that Jordi Alba is the new Barcelona team-mate he feels he has a “special connection” with now that Andres Iniesta has left the club.
Iniesta was the latest club legend to depart, leaving this summer for Vissel Kobe in Japan, following the lead of Xavi, who left for Qatar in 2015.
“Andrés and Xavi are unique,” Messi told the Barcelona website. “They made the game more colorful and brought more possession.”
When asked which current teammate he has the best connection with on the pitch, Messi responded, “Jordi Alba knows me to perfection.
“He knows when I will give him a no-look pass. I have a special connection with him.”
Like Messi, Alba was part of Barcelona’s youth setup, though he left the club to establish himself, at Valencia, before returning in 2012.
Messi also praised teammate Luis Suarez, one of his best friends at the club, hailing the impact the Uruguayan striker has on the team.
“He brings a lot to me and to the rest of the team,” explained Messi.
“He leads us in creating pressure and provides strength to all of us.”
