On July 30, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez combined brilliantly to deliver a 90th-minute winner for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup opener against Atlas at the Chase Stadium. The trio‘s teamwork led to Marcelp Weigandt scoring the decisive goal, underscoring the magic of their past Barcelona connection and securing all three points for Miami.
Late Goal Seals Victory for Inter Miami in Leagues Cup
The match started with no goals in the first half, but Inter Miami took the lead through Telasco Segovia just before the hour mark. Atlas equalized in the 80th minute via Rivaldo Lozano, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. In stoppage time, Jordi Alba passed to Messi, who quickly found Suarez inside the area. Suarez then squared the ball for Weigandt, who finished to win the game in the final moments, bringing jubilation to the home fans.
Reconnection of Former Barcelona Legends at Inter Miami
This reunion of Messi, Alba, and Suarez at Inter Miami evokes memories of their successful years together at Barcelona. The three played alongside each other between 2014 and 2020 before Suarez moved to Atletico Madrid and Messi departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. The return of these former teammates at Miami has revitalized their partnership on the field since Messi’s arrival in the summer of 2023, followed by Alba and Suarez.
Along with Sergio Busquets, they helped Inter Miami claim the club’s first-ever Supporters’ Shield, although postseason success has remained elusive. Currently, Inter Miami sits fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference, trailing Philadelphia by eight points but holding three games in hand. The team also made its debut in the FIFA Club World Cup this season, exiting in the Round of 16 after a 4-0 defeat to PSG.
Achievements of Messi, Alba, and Suarez During Their Barcelona Tenure
During their time at Barcelona, Messi, Alba, and Suarez were instrumental in an era marked by significant triumphs. Messi was at the club from 2004 until 2021, Alba from 2012 to 2023, and Suarez between 2014 and 2020. Together, they lifted the 2014-15 continental treble, the second in the club’s history, in addition to winning four La Liga titles and four Copa del Rey trophies.
In that treble-winning season, Suarez scored 25 goals and contributed 23 assists over 43 appearances. Messi’s record was outstanding with 58 goals and 31 assists across 57 matches, while Alba added two goals and seven assists in 44 games. Their combined efforts were a key factor behind Barcelona’s domestic and European dominance during those years.
The Lasting Impact of Their Reunion at Inter Miami
Their ability to recreate their Barcelona synergy has brought renewed hope and excitement to Inter Miami’s campaign. The 90th-minute winner is a statement of their continued chemistry and influence on the pitch. As the MLS season progresses, this collaborative spirit could prove pivotal for Miami’s ambitions in the competitions ahead, both domestically and internationally.
“Here’s the video of Miami’s winner, involving Alba, Messi and Suarez in the build-up to Weigandt’s strike in the sixth minute of stoppage time:” —Unattributed