MIAMI – Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, posted a cryptic message on Twitter a few weeks ago with a photo of three blank pink jerseys with the caption: “Coming soon. Si.”
The world now knows that the two shirts belong to Argentine icon Lionel Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammate, Sergio Busquets. The two are expected to finalize their contracts in the coming days, officially debuting on July 16 and debuting on July 21.
The third major signing will be former Barcelona left-back and Spain national team captain Jordi Alba, according to a league source with knowledge of the negotiations. Alba will sign a contract as soon as Friday and will reunite with former Barcelona teammates and coach Tata Martino, who coached Barcelona during the 2013-14 season.
Alba, 34 and a free agent will not occupy one of Miami’s three designated player positions. The Spaniard made $24 million last season, so he’ll take a drastic pay cut to play for Miami.
Inter Miami, bottom of the Eastern Conference standings preparing for Saturday’s game against DC United, is in dιre need of a left-back with Franco Negri’s season-ending ιnjury.
Alba played 11 seasons and made 459 appearances with Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. He also played 93 games with the Spain national team.
He had a tearful farewell after the final match against Barcelona. His farewell message on social media said: “Thank you to my parents and brother for everything they have taught me; for my friends who have shared the journey with me; and to all the teammates, staff, coaches, president, and staff with whom I have accompanied during my 18 years with this club. Thank you also to my children for the strength they give me every day and to my wife for all she does, without them nothing would be possible.”
Alba has received offers from Saudi Arabian clubs but has opted to join Messi and Busquets in the Professional Football League.
MLS teams have a maximum base salary of $5.2 million and can receive an additional $1.9 million in General Allocations and $2.7 million in Target Allocations, for flexibility. active in buying higher-priced players. Each team can have up to three Designated Players with an unlimited amount of compensation and exceeding the maximum roster budget fee ($612,500).
Two of Miami’s three DP slots will be used for Messi and Busquets and the third will likely go to existing player Leo Campana. Midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, the club’s first DP, who is raking in $3.35 million this season is expected to be traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy and captain Gregore, who is recovering from the post. leg surgery is expected to be restructured contract to not be a DP.