Inter Miami target not sure of Lionel Messi reunion because of Jordi Alba
Argentine defender Nicolas Tagliafico is unsure of whether he will be reunited with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami because of Jordi Alba's presence at the club. The Olympique Lyonnais left-back has been linked with the MLS side ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Inter Miami enjoyed a record-breaking 2024 MLS regular season, winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new points record in the competition (74 points in 34 games). They have since replaced manager Gerardo Martino with fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, who is set for his first job in club football with the Herons.
According to TNT Sports Argentina, Nicolas Tagliafico weighed in on his future on a stream, revealing that he has no idea where he will play next year. He also issued a 'come and get me' plea to Inter Miami, saying he is for them, but is unsure of playing alongside Lionel Messi because of Alba. He said:
“I don’t know where I am going to play next year, but for the moment I’m not going to be at the Club World Cup… Or am I? I’m for Inter Miami, the thing is that Jordi Alba is there.”
Tagliafico is in the final months of his contract with Olympique Lyonnais and the club's financial situation may mean that they will not extend his contract. The 32-year-old expressed his desire to play in the FIFA Club World Cup, meaning he could join one of the 32 teams in the competition.
Former Spain international Jordi Alba has the left-back position under lock and key at Inter Miami and will be difficult to displace, even under Mascherano. With five goals and 10 assists from 31 MLS Regular Season appearances, the former Barcelona man appears to still be playing at a high level.
Lionel Messi models as Inter Miami launch 2025 kit
Lionel Messi was the model for Inter Miami as they launched their 2025 "Fortitude" kit to be used during the MLS season and the FIFA Club World Cup next summer. The Supporters' Shield champions intend for the shirt to be a 'symbol of armor,' as they revealed during its launch.
Reigning MLS MVP Lionel Messi appeared in the shirt, which has two tones of black and gray on its body and sleeves. The club's pink logo also makes an appearance, as does its pink sponsor logo on the front and sleeve, while the Adidas logo is also pink.
The jersey is meant to be symbolic, an ode to the club spending its final season at its Fort Lauderdale home before moving to the Miami Freedom Park, its permanent home. The side will hope for as much or more success with their new jersey in 2025 as they achieved in the 2024 season.