LEAGUES CUP 2023
Inter Miami debutant Jordi Alba still in awe of Lionel Messi after Leagues Cup win against Orlando City
Alba and Messi played together for many years at Barcelona and have now linked up together once more in MLS.
Jordi Alba made his debut for Inter Miami on Wednesday in the Leagues Cup round of 32 victory over Orlando City and was reunited on the field with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets. As ever, it was the Argentina captain who stole the headlines by scoring two more goals for David Beckham’s Herons, taking his tally to five in three appearances for his new team.
Alba has, of course, seen what Messi is capable of at very close quarters over the years but remains in awe of what the seven-time Ballon d’Or is capable of doing with the ball at his feet.
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What did Alba say about Messi after his brace against Orlando City?
“It is no longer surprising, but what Leo does is outrageous. After two years without playing together, today we have finally played together again and now it’s time to enjoy a few more years together,” Alba told Apple TV after Inter Miami’s 3-1 win.
“I’m very happy, I really wanted to come and play for Inter Miami. The reception that the fans have given me has been incredible”, the full-back added.
The Spaniard also revealed that his move stateside wasn’t just about picking up one final paycheck. “We’re really hopefully that we can improve and win. You have to work as a team to win trophies”.
Who and when will Inter Miami play in the Leagues Cup round of 16?
Messi’s arrival coincided with the beginning of the Leagues Cup and a significant upturn in fortunes, with the Herons, who are bottom of the MLS’ Eastern Conference and the overall standings, having won all three of their matches in the competition, which has seen them progress to the last 16.
The Florida side next opponents will be Dallas FC, who beat Liga MX side Mazatlán 2-1 on Wednesday. The round of 16 clash will be played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco on Sunday 6 August and will be the first time Messi pulls on an Inter Miami jersey away from home.