Jordi Alba “in active negotiations” to join ex-Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi had an almost telepathic understanding with Jordi Alba at Barcelona between 2012 and 2021 and the old teammates could be about to recreate some of their old magic together in MLS at Inter Miami.

News that the Argentina captain had agreed to sign with David Beckham’s Herons sent shockwaves around the soccer world and beyond last week, with Messi set to make the move to Florida after playing for La Albiceleste against Australia in Beijing and once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain officially expires at the end of June.

When could Messi make his Inter Miami debut?

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could make his debut for his new club when they take on Liga MX side Cruz Azul in the new Leagues Cup at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday 21 July. Tickets for that clash sold out in minutes, with many being resold for as much as $660 (original price $29) following the announcement of Messi’s arrival.

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And now, it seems, there is a realistic chance that fellow former Barcelona star Alba could be joining his old teammate in Miami. Despite having a year left to run on his deal at Camp Nou, the left-back opted to terminate his contract after slipping down the pecking order.

Alba in talks with Inter Miami amid Saudi interest

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Twitter on Tuesday that Alba was “in active negotiations” to join the MLS side but that, much like as was the case with Messi, he also had offers on the table from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

“The player will assess his options and decide in the next few weeks”, was Romano’s conclusion on the “concrete possibility” of Alba signing for Inter Miami. Similar to the Argentine, the Spain international would almost certainly stand to earn more were he to make the more to the Gulf state, although a stateside reunion with his old mate may prove too tough to resist.