Jordi Alba makes Inter Miami debut as ex-Barcelona left-back, joining former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in the second half of the Leagues Cup match
Jordi Alba has officially donned Inter Miami’s pink, white and black kit for the first time as the former Barcelona left-back came on in the second half of the Herons’ Leagues Cup win against Orlando City in the Round of 32.
The 34-year-old, who was introduced to fans at the DRV PNK Stadium prior to kick-off on Wednesday night, came on in the 64th minute for 19-year-old defender Noah Allen with Inter Miami leading 2-1.
His first pass of the game, of course, was to none other than teammate Lionel Messi, as he also shared the pitch with Sergio Busquets – another familiar face who moved from Barcelona to Florida this summer.
Miami then added a third goal in the 72nd minute to create a two-goal deficit – eight minutes after Alba graced the pitch.
Alba and Messi played together in Barcelona for nine years (2012-2021) before the 2022 World Cup winner left Camp Nou for PSG’s Parc des Princes two years ago on a free transfer.
Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF prepares for the second half game against Orlando
The 34-year-old replaced 19-year-old defender Noah Allen with Miami leading 2-1 in the 64′
Alba receives his jersey by co-owners Jose Mas (left), Jorge Mas and David Beckham (right)
The full-back spent 11 years with Busquets after arriving in Catalonia from Valencia in 2012.
Alba spent a total of 11 seasons with Barcelona, helping the legendary Spanish club to six La Liga titles and Champions League trophies (2014-2015).
He started his career in La Masia’s academy as a left winger, but was sacked by the club in 2005 because he was too short.
He then joined neighboring club Cornella and left after almost two years on a €6,000 transfer to Valencia, making his professional debut in 2012. Three years later he was back home in Barcelona.
Renowned for his speed, Alba had 37 goals and 107 assists in 605 games across all competitions throughout his career.
Alba (far right, bottom row) has joined Lionel Messi (far left, bottom row) and Sergio Busquets (second from right, top row) at Inter Miami on a free transfer
Alba also has 93 caps at international level with Spain and was part of La Roja’s Euro 2012 squad
“Jordi is an accomplished, dynamic and experienced player who we are eager to acquire to further strengthen our team,” sporting director Chris Henderson said in a press release after Miami announced the player’s arrival last month.
“He has proven for over a decade that he is one of the best full-backs in the sport due to both his defensive solidity and his ability to contribute in attack.”
Alba also represented Spain 93 times at international level, scoring nine goals.
He was part of La Roja’s side that won Euro 2012, but was omitted from the final list of 23 men to emerge victorious at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Alba also played for Spain at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as the 2016 and 2020 European Championships.