In the first half of the Leagues Cup semifinal on Tuesday night at the Subaru Park of the Philadelphia Union, the illustrious FC Barcelona and Spain national team left back put the game away with a goal, giving his club a 3-0 advantage.

Following goals by Josef Martnez (3′) and Lionel Messi (20′) in the first half, Alba was found by Robert Taylor’s through ball and made a characteristic run behind the Union backline before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Just two weeks after making his Herons debut, Alba achieves breakthrough success. The Herons extended their summertime signing frenzy with a contract that runs through the 2024 MLS season (2025 option). He joins Messi and Sergio Busquets as their third ex-Barça star in that group.

If Inter Miami maintains its winning streak throughout the summer, they will face either Nashville SC or Liga MX team CF Monterrey in the Leagues Cup final on Aug. 19 (Saturday). Additionally, success ensures a place in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup.