The Lionel Messi signing has been a game-changer for Inter Miami. His genius on the pitch resulted in the MLS side lifting their first-ever major title, the Leagues Cup. The Argentine icon’s arrival also contributed to increased fanfare with average match attendance getting a significant boost. However, this does not seem to surprise his teammate, Jordi Alba, who claims that Messi was destined to ‘change everything- for the best‘, once again.

Lionel Messi and Alba’s presence has been confirmed in the pre-season friendly against El Salvador on January 20. Following that, they have an exciting reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo in the Riyadh Season Cup before kicking off the season.

Knowing Lionel Messi ‘perfectly’, Alba highlights the stunning impact on the MLS

In a recent interview, the veteran full-back was asked about his impact on the team. Alba replied, “While Busi’s arrival and mine was really good, in the end who changes everything is Leo.” He further added, “During our time with Barcelona, it was the same, and I knew that Leo’s arrival was going to change many things in this league for the best.” It seems Alba considers Messi solely responsible for changing Inter Miami’s fortunes.

The story was similar at FC Barcelona. Before Lionel Messi made his debut, the Spanish club had only 1 UEFA Champions League in their history. However, since Messi’s arrival, they won 4 Champions Leagues and cemented their position among Europe’s elite. David Beckham will be hoping for a similar impact at Inter Miami as well.

Alba also spoke about his chemistry with the soccer icon. He explained, “We know each other perfectly and we get along great, and it was clear that it also good for people who watched us from afar, as we are now here.” With 23 assists to the Argentine legend, the Messi-Alba connection is one of the best partnerships in soccer history.

Yet, despite a close relationship on & off-the-pitch, it is quite surprising to know that Messi was not the reason why the Spaniard joined Inter Miami!

Who inspired Jordi Alba’s arrival at Inter Miami?

Jordi Alba was not short of offers after leaving FC Barcelona. However, it was the efforts of former Barcelona and current Inter Miami coach Tata Martino that lured him to the MLS. Interestingly. Martino was also Alba’s first coach in Barcelona since arriving in 2012. As per Alba, the Argentine coach assured him to be a key player in the project.

Read More: “We All Dreamed of Retiring [at Barcelona]” – Luis Suarez on Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets & Jordi Alba as Teammates at Inter Miami

Alba explained, “The important thing for me was to feel important. The confidence of the coach [Tata Martino] made me assess the options and it has done me good. I also saw the desire for [Martino] to come and that is why I have come here.” Considering his form last season, Martino would be more than pleased with his full-back.

Are you anticipating more signings for Inter Miami? Let us know in the comments below.

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