Inter Miami close in on transfer of Messi's ex-teammate as impact already felt

13 June 2023 , 23:17

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Lionel Messi could convince former team-mate Jordi Alba to sign for Inter Miami (Image: 2023 Getty Images)

Lionel Messi could be reunited with Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, with the defender set to become a free agent this summer.

That's according to ESPN, who claim that Inter Miami have contacted the Spaniard over a potential move after it was announced that his time with the Catalan club would come to an end. Alba was originally contracted until 2024, but both parties agreed to end the deal prematurely.

The 34-year-old signed for Barcelona in 2012, spending nine seasons with Messi before the Argentine joined Paris Saint Germain in the summer of 2021. A mini-reunion could be on the cards in the south of Florida, with midfielder Sergio Busquets also heavily linked.

Messi is set to become not only the face of Miami, but also the entirety of Major League Soccer. Messi agreed to sign for Miami on June 8 after being linked with a return to Barcelona and also a record-breaking deal to move to Saudi Arabia.

The World Cup winner explained that it was for the benefit of his family to move to Miami, claiming that money wasn't the driving force behind his future. Like Messi, former team-mates Alba and Busquets have been pondering their future and have received similar offers from elsewhere.

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Alba has reportedly been approached by Atletico Madrid as they look to keep the defender in Spain, but Inter Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia are also on the lookout. But Alba may decide to reunite with Messi, with Miami instantly becoming one of the most relevant clubs in world football due to his arrival.

Alba and Messi spent nine seasons together in Barcelona (Soccrates Images)

Any decision from Alba will be made after the upcoming UEFA Nations League finals in the Netherlands, where the defender is part of the Spain squad who will meet Italy in the semi-final. It's not that simple to sign Alba though, as MLS operates under strict designated player rules.

Formal negotiations are yet to take place, and no offer has been tabled as Miami are waiting to hear if Alba is serious first. Miami must work out how to construct their three DP spots if they are to build a stunning team in MLS.

Miami is made for Messi according to former Argentina star Carlos Tevez, who believes that the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has made the right decision. "He loves Miami. It’s a peace of mind for him and his family," Tevez told ESPN.

"I think what he did was the right thing to do. And if it wasn’t Barcelona, where he knew he would once again become the centre of attraction, it was nothing in Europe. The decision was made very well."

Joseph McBride