After Lionel Messi ended up frustrated and booked with Inter Miami’s 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, the Herons have announced some news that will certainly ease his worries. Jordi Alba has signed a contract extension with the club, they announced on Thursday.
Alba’s new contract runs through the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. “I’m happy to renew my contract because I have the desire to continue competing, and because of how I feel at the club, with the affection I receive from fans at every match. I’ve been very comfortable these past two years at the club, and I feel very loved by all the fans,” said Alba in a statement shared by Miami.
The Spanish left-back joined Inter Miami in 2023, following in the footsteps of his former Barcelona teammates Messi and Sergio Busquets. Since then, he has become one of the most efficient players for the Herons. In the 2024 season, Alba finished with 20 goal contributions (five goals and 15 assists).
This season, he has provided 5 assists in 11 MLS matches. With his contributions, Alba was crucial to Miami’s success last season, including clinching the Supporters’ Shield and breaking the record for most points in a single campaign.
Messi and Alba celebrate a goal (David Berding/Getty Images)
However, Miami, now under coach Javier Mascherano, has been struggling with a recent stretch of poor form. They were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup after losing 5-1 on aggregate to the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semifinals, and they have lost two and drawn one of their last five MLS matches.
Jordi Alba’s renewal could hint at Messi’s own contract extension
With the news that Alba will stay at the club for at least two more years, it seems Messi could be on the same path. The Argentinian star’s contract with Miami expires in December, and both parties have reportedly been negotiating for a while.
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David Ornstein from The Athletic revealed last week that Messi was close to reaching an agreement with Miami to sign an extension. Jorge Mas, the club’s co-owner, has been open about his intention to keep Messi in the squad at least until 2026, as the club is set to move from Chase Stadium to Miami Freedom Park, their new home.
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For now, Miami’s captain seems more motivated than ever to maintain good results. While their Champions Cup aspirations were cut short, the team will play in the FIFA Club World Cup in June and still have the MLS Playoffs in sight.
