Another superstar and former Lionel Messi teammate just signed with Inter Miami
Another superstar is officially coming to Inter Miami.
Inter Miami announced late Thursday afternoon the signing of former FC Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, whose name had appeared on the team’s official Leagues Cup roster released Wednesday.
Alba, 34, is a Spanish national team defender and captain considered one of the world’s top left backs. His contract will run through the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with a Club option for 2025, Inter Miami said in a release. His signing with Inter Miami will reunite him with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, both of whom are already with the team and expected to make their Inter Miami debut on Friday night in the Leagues Cup opener against Liga MX team Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium.
Alba, listed as 5-8 (one inch taller than Messi), will not occupy one of Miami’s three designated player spots that go to the highest salaried players. The Spaniard made $24 million last season, so he will take a drastic pay cut, though his salary was not released. He has signed as a “TAM” — Target Allocation Money player.
He will wear his jersey No. 6.
“Jordi is an accomplished, dynamic and experienced player that we’re excited to acquire to continue bolstering our squad,’’ Inter Miami chiif soccer director and sporting director Chris Henderson said. “He has proven for over a decade that he is one of the best fullbacks in the sport due to both his defensive solidity and capacity to contribute in the attack. We know that he’ll help Inter Miami achieve the Club’s objectives this season and beyond.”
Alba’s wife is expecting their third child, so he was not in South Florida as of Thursday. After she gives birth he will travel here to undergo his physical and begin training.
Alba is a one-time UEFA Euro winner, UEFA Champions League winner, UEFA Nations League winner, and six-time LaLiga winner.
Alba had a tearful farewell after his final game with Barcelona. His farewell message on social media said: “Thanks to my parents and my brother for all they have taught me; to my friends for sharing the journey with me; and to all teammates, staff, coaches, presidents and employees I have coincided with during 18 years in total with this club. Thanks also to my children for the strength they give me every day and to my wife for all she does, without them none of this is possible.” Alba fielded offers from Saudi Arabian clubs but opted to join Messi and Busquets in Major League Soccer.
Alba has spent his entire career playing in Spain. The L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain native began his career as a youth with several teams, including FC Barcelona (1998-05) and CF Valencia (2007-09) before making his debut for Club Gimnàstic de Tarragona in the Spanish Second Division while on loan from Valencia’s B side for the 2008-09 campaign, where he made 36 appearances and scored four goals in his first season as a professional.
Alba made his LaLiga debut for Valencia in the senior ranks in September 2009. He made 110 appearances across all competitions in three seasons for Los Che , registering six goals and eight assists, before being signed by Barcelona ahead of the 2012-13 season. Alba made 459 appearances over the course of 11 seasons, the ninth most of any player in the club’s history, while helping Barcelona win six LaLiga titles, a UEFA Champions League title, a FIFA Club World Cup title, seven Copa del Rey titles, and four Supercopa de España title.
