Jordi Alba makes debut for Inter Miami as ex-Barcelona left-back comes on to join former teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in the second-half of Leagues Cup match Jordi Alba has officially donned the pink, white and black kit of Inter Miami for the first time ever 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 presented to fans at DRV PNK Stadium prior to kick-off on Wednesday night, came on for 19-year-old defender Noah Allen in the 64th minute with Inter Miami leading 2-1. His first pass of the game was to no one else but teammate Lionel Messi, of course, as he also shared the field with Sergio Busquets - another familiar face who moved to Florida from Barcelona 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 at Barcelona for nine years (2012-2021) prior to the 2022 World Cup winner's exit from Camp Nou to PSG's Parc des Princes on a free transfer, two years ago. Jordi Alba #18 of Inter Miami CF prepares to enter the match in the second half against Orlando The 34-year-old came on for 19-year-old defender Noah Allen with Miami leading 2-1 in the 64' Alba is presented his jersey by co-owners Jose Mas (left), Jorge Mas and David Beckham (right) The fullback played with Busquets for 11 years following his arrival in Catalonia from Valencia in 2012. Alba played a total of 11 seasons at Barcelona, helping the legendary Spanish club to six La Liga titles and Champions League trophy (2014-15). He started his career in the youth ranks at La Masia as a left winger, but was released by the club in 2005 for being too small. He then joined neighboring club Cornella and, after almost two years, departed in a €6,000 transfer to Valencia where he made his professional debut in 2012. Three years later and he was back home in Barcelona. Alba, who's known for his pace, had 37 goals with 107 assists in 605 matches across all competitions throughout his career. Alba (far right, bottom row) has linked up with 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 & was part of La Roja's Euro 2012 squad 'Jordi is an accomplished, dynamic and experienced player that we're excited to acquire to continue bolstering our squad,' club sporting director Chris Henderson said in a release after Miami announced the player's arrival last month. '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.' Alba also represented Spain at international level 93 times, scoring nine goals. He was part of La Roja's squad that won Euro 2012 but was omitted from the final 23-men list that emerged 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 Euro 2016 and 2020 Championships.
