'Barcelona are better with Messi' - Jordi Alba reignites Leo return rumours

Karan Tejwani

• 14 Feb 2023 09:00 CST
• 2 min read

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has said life with Lionel Messi was much easier with the duo having developed a strong relationship in their time together.

Despite playing on opposite ends of the pitch, the two combined for 34 goals over nine seasons together and were a strong pair together.

Messi and Alba linked up well through their movements and intricate play and formed a powerful combination with each other.

READ: ‘Disillusioned’ Messi set to leave PSG

Now, Alba has admitted life has been difficult since the departure of Messi in 2021, as he went to Paris Saint-Germain following the expiry of his contract.

Alba speaks on Messi relationship

Speaking to Universo Valdano, the Spanish full-back said: “We understood each other perfectly, he put it to me at the right time.

“It was increasingly difficult because all the opponents already knew us, but he would come in from the second line and sometimes he would find other team-mates who were more unmarked. We made a very good duo.

READ: Lionel Messi at PSG: Goals, assists, results & fixtures in 2022-23

“With him, everything was easier. Almost all my assists are to him, I remember that the first one was at El Sadar. In all aspects of the game, he is the best.”

There were rumours that Barcelona were plotting a return for Messi to the club upon the expiry of his PSG contract at the end of the season but that will be difficult given the club’s tough financial situation.

He is set to extend his deal with the French club and talks between the two parties have been progressing well over the last month.

Alba then spoke about Messi and Argentina’s World Cup win and what it meant to him: “All football fans wanted Leo to win, for all he has suffered, for all he has given to football and because he has always wanted that cup.”

Barcelona are finally getting into gear and are 11 points clear at the top of La Liga, with the chance to add the Copa del Rey and Europa League to their collection this season.