Jordi Alba reveals Lionel Messi dream that hints at Inter Miami contract extension – with MLS Cup hopefuls preparing for a big move

As things stand, all of the Herons’ former Barcelona heroes are only tied to terms through the 2025 campaign. Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets also have less than 12 months left to run on their respective deals in Florida.

There are, however, options for 2026 that can be taken up and further talks to be held, with Inter Miami preparing to move into their new 25,000-seat Freedom Park stadium next season. That big move has captured the imagination of some illustrious performers.

Alba has told The Athletic of future plans for Messi and Co: “I’d love to play at the new stadium, all of us, with Leo, Busi and Luis. It’ll be spectacular. As of today, I’m just going year by year, to see how I feel physically, mentally. So we’ll see, but yeah, it’d be great.”

Ex-Spain international Alba is delighted to be playing with Messi again in the United States, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still going strong at 37 years of age. Alba added: “Other teams try everything they can to stop Leo. In the end, stopping him is difficult. But they show a lot of respect to him, to all of us. For them, it’s also a privilege to be able to play against Leo. It’s not every day you get to share a pitch with the best player in history.”

Messi was unable to inspire MLS Cup glory last season, but has got to grips with life in America as the division's reigning MVP. Alba added on adjusting to the demands of competition outside of Europe: “It’s a bit different in MLS than at Barcelona. But when I arrived, honestly, I found the level was pretty good. Teams playing us tend to sit back and defend. It’s practically the same as what used to happen at Barca.”

Inter Miami are currently working through their pre-season programme ahead of the 2025 campaign, as they take in a tour of the Americas, with Messi already among the goals as he looks to add more major honours to his record-breaking collection.