Inter Miami have been nothing short of exceptional this year, with Lionel Messi now back to full fitness for the Herons.
The Argentine international made an exceptional comeback for the Florida franchise on Saturday with two goals and an assist against the Philadelphia Union, with Messi looking as good as ever despite missing over three months of MLS action.
One of Inter Miami’s best players this year in Messi’s absence has been Jordi Alba, with the former FC Barcelona defender showing why he’s still one of the best left-backs in world soccer and providing Tata Martino’s side with an exceptional outlet from the defense.
And expert Andrew Wiebe was stunned by one moment from Alba on Saturday to assist Messi.
Alba praised after ‘stupid’ Inter Miami assist for Messi
Speaking on Extratime, the pundit hailed Alba for his pass to set-up Messi for his second goal of the evening against Philadelphia, with the Argentine finishing off the chance in a manner that only the 37-year-old could do.
With Sacha Kljestan also praising Messi for his goal, the moment was one to cherish for the attacker after so long out for Inter Miami, and Wiebe was in awe with the former Barcelona star and the assist from Alba on the night.
Wiebe said on Alba’s assist for Messi’s goal: “That pass doesn’t get enough credit. That lane is extremely small and it can only go at one pace to get through to reach Messi at the right place for Messi to apply the finish.
“Jordi Alba is just on the laundry list of game-changing ballers on this team. He’s vacillating between second and fifth or sixth, and that is stupid. It is stupid what this Miami team has done and what they’ve built.”
Alba has been an unsung hero for the Herons this season
Alba isn’t as flashy a name as Messi or Luis Suarez, yet the defender’s impact at Inter Miami this season has been just as big as the superstar players in the Herons’ roster.
The fullback has been available all year and has been a consistent performer at the back for Inter Miami, with Alba’s performances helping the Florida franchise to some big results this year.
And heading into the play-offs, Alba will be key for Inter Miami in their bid to win MLS Cup, something that could now happen with Messi back and playing at his absolute best already.