Jordi Alba explains why Lionel Messi wasn't the only reason he left Barcelona to start a new chapter with Inter Miami in MLS

The former Barcelona left-back signed on in Florida last July and got an immediate taste of success when his new side swept to victory in the Leagues Cup as Messi announced himself to his new stateside audience in stunning style. Things proved a little tougher after that as Messi suffered a number of injuries and Miami slid disappointingly out of the play-offs. But Alba's desire to win appears as keen as ever as he explained why he's opted for life in the Sunshine State.

"I don't get tired of winning," Alba told CBS Sports ahead of the new MLS season. "I want to keep winning, to keep competing. If I didn't have that excitement I wouldn't have come here. I would have stayed in Barcelona, at home, not playing football. The opportunity was very attractive. I also wanted to get back with Leo [Messi] and Busi [Sergio Busquets] and now Luis [Suarez] has also come. So these were the incentives that led me to make that decision."

A first full season for the quartet that won it all in Europe promises to be an intriguing one, and Inter Miami have been installed as clear favourites to win the MLS Cup come December. But much can happen between now and then. Coach Tata Martino will have to carefully manage the workload of a group of players well into their thirties and with Messi and Suarez likely to go all out for this summer's Copa America. And, in Messi's case, a potential tilt at an Olympic gold medal.

Inter Miami host the opening game of the 2024 MLS season later on Wednesday when they welcome Real Salt Lake to DRV PNK Stadium. Messi is reportedly ready for action after the injuries that beset The Herons' disastrous pre-season tour.