Jordi Alba scores SCREAMER for Inter Miami as MLS club win 2-1 over Atlanta United

Inter Miami full-back Jordi Alba scored a brilliant goal from outside the penalty box, helping the club secure a 2-1 win over Atlanta United.

Jordi Alba scores SCREAMER for Inter Miami as MLS club win 2-1 over Atlanta United

Jordi Alba scored a brilliant goal for Inter Miami, in a 2-1 win over Atlanta United. (via ESPN)

Inter Miami star Jordi Alba scored a brilliant goal for the club in their 2-1 MLS playoff win over Atlanta United, giving them a much-needed first leg advantage. It also brings the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners closer to their first MLS Cup.

The Herons triumphed 2-1 over Atlanta United, thanks to goals from Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba. It means that Inter Miami now hold a slight advantage over their rivals in their three-legged Eastern Conference last-eight encounter.

The opening round of the playoffs will be a three-game series, with the team winning the most points making it through. This gives Inter a chance to reach closer to their first-ever MLS Cup title, if they defeat Atlanta in the second match on 2nd November.

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Suarez opened the scoring for the home side in just the 2nd minute of the match, before Atlanta’s Saba Lobjanidze equalized for the visitors. However, former Barca star Jordi Alba, who is enjoying a brilliant season with the Herons’, restored the home side’s lead with a powerful shot from outside the penalty box in the 60th minute, assisted by skipper Lionel Messi. It marked his fifth strike of the 2024 season, adding to his career-best season tally of 20 goal contributions, in just 36 appearances.

Meanwhile, Messi, who has been the pivot in Inter Miami’s journey to the MLS playoffs, came close to scoring on several occasions. Should Miami overcome their rivals, they would face Orlando City or Charlotte FC in the next round of the playoffs.

Ex-Barcelona star Jordi Alba surprisingly backs Lionel Messi to run for the Ballon d’Or each year 

Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba opened up about his views on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, while highlighting teammate Lionel Messi’s absence from the 30-man shortlist. This year’s Ballon d’Or nominees list is the first one since 2003, that does not feature the names of Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi.

Jordi Alba on Lionel Messi
Inter Miami star Jordi Alba heaped praises on teammate Lionel Messi. (via TNT Sports)

Set to be presented in a mega ceremony in Paris next week, the Ballon d’Or will be handed out to a new winner this year. Jordi Alba expressed his views on the nominees list, surprisingly stating that the Argentinian skipper’s name should have been on the list. He identified Messi’s association with the MLS as a reason for his exclusion, however, pointing to the difference that he continues to make.

For me, Leo always has to be there. Maybe coming here has overshadowed his importance, but he continues to make a difference. For me, he is definitely the best in the world…

Jordi Alba on Lionel Messi (H/T Telegrafi)

Moreover, he added to it by exclaiming that Lionel Messi deserves to win every award in football, while also terming him as the best player in the world.