Watch: Ex-Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba combine for Inter Miami goal with an UNREAL link up play

Lionel Messi had other plans though, as he and Jordi Alba combined to score a brilliant goal in the late moments of the match. The moment made fans and followers alike reminisce about the days of old Barcelona. Both the ex-Barca stars broke through the left flank, with the Spaniard then laying off a pull-back into the path of Messi, who guided the ball into the back of the net with his left foot. This was their third goal together in Inter Miami colors.

Inter Miami’s draw earned them four points from two matches, maintaining their position atop the MLS Group A standings. The team will now shift its focus to their next match against Florida rivals Orlando City this week, before beginning preparations for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba’s combined stats and achievements

2022 FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi and Spanish left-back Jordi Alba, both enjoyed a brilliant time at FC Barcelona, winning numerous titles and setting multiple records. Together, they played 358 matches and spent a combined total of 28,629 minutes on the pitch for both Barcelona and Inter Miami.

The two FC Barcelona academy products spent three years together at La Masia before Jordi Alba left for Cornella. Alba later rejoined Barcelona from Valencia in 2012, going on to spend 11 years at the Catalonian club. Between 2012 and 2021, the two players collectively scored 34 goals, 24 of which were scored by the Argentinean, while 10 goals were scored by Jordi Alba.

Both players formed a vital part of Barcelona’s illustrious era, clinching five La Liga and Copa Del Rey titles together. They were also crucial members of Barcelona’s victorious 2013-14 UEFA Champions League campaign. The legendary duo reunited at Inter Miami in 2023.