Inter Miami has officially announced the squad numbers for the upcoming 2024 MLS season, assigning jerseys to notable players such as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Following their historic Leagues Cup victory in 2023, just weeks after Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, joined the team in a sensational move to the United States, Inter Miami is poised to pursue further major silverware in the upcoming campaign.

Before competitive matches kick off, Inter Miami has a series of friendly encounters, including the club’s inaugural international tour and high-profile matches against teams like Vissel Kobe, Newell’s Old Boys, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.

The club has disclosed the players’ jersey numbers for these games on its official website. Notably, Messi retains his iconic No.10 shirt, while newcomer Suarez will be sporting No.9. Additionally, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba will continue with No.5 and No.18, respectively, and USMNT star Julian Gressel will don No.24.

Inter Miami’s first pre-season match in 2024, featuring Messi in their traveling squad, is scheduled against El Salvador on Friday. Subsequently, they will face domestic rivals FC Dallas on Monday before embarking on a tour that includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Japan.

The tour concludes with a match against Newell’s on home turf, leading up to the commencement of the new MLS season on February 21.

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Inter Miami’s pursuit of Luis Suarez, aiming to reunite the Gremio striker with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets in the MLS, may come to fruition before 2024.

According to El Pais, a deal could be finalized in December, marking a potential reunion of the talented players.

Suarez, who is 36 years old, confirmed that the MLS side had been in contact with his club in Porto Alegre earlier this year. Emails have been exchanged between Miami and Gremio to discuss a one-year deal for Suarez with an option to extend, as per the latest report.

Suarez is set to visit Miami in December to discuss contractual details with the club. In preparation for his potential arrival, the Herons have already released star forward Josef Martinez.

Luis Suarez has agreed to join Inter Miami in 2024! ✅

The deal will be closed in December when he is scheduled to make a trip to Miami. 🇺🇸

(El Pais)

THE REUNION IS ON! 🇦🇷🐐🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/gDvOtU2cck

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) November 1, 2023

Despite dealing with knee complications, Suarez has been finding success in Brazil. He joined Gremio in December 2022 and has scored 17 goals in 37 appearances, showcasing his enduring quality as a striker.

‘Many things can happen until the end of the year,’ Gremio president Alberto Guerra said of Suarez’s situation.

‘We are very focused on the search for classification (a la Libertadores). At the right time, if the opportunity arises (to negotiate with Suárez), we will talk.

‘Of course we want him to stay, but specifically the latest update is that he will leave at the end of the year.’

Although his time with Gremio is looking to be short-lived, Suarez expressed his gratitude towards the club and it’s fans.

‘I committed to the club to try to play as many games as I can,’ Suarez said ‘It is my way of thanking them for their effort. There were days of training after the games when Renato told me not to go to train, to rest, and I went because the commitment to the club is 100 percent.’

Luis Suarez made a significant impact during his time at Barcelona, where he scored an impressive 198 goals between 2014 and 2020. One year after joining the club from Liverpool, Suarez played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s historic five-trophy season in 2015, leaving a lasting legacy at the club.

Inter Miami’s signing of Lionel Messi in a record-breaking deal in 2023 paved the way for potential reunions with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. While Inter Miami narrowly missed the MLS Playoffs, Messi’s arrival helped the team secure the League Cup and reach the US Open Cup final, marking a successful debut season for the Argentine superstar in MLS.

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Inter Miami have confirmed the signing of ex-Barcelona player Jordi Alba, reuniting him with Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in Major League Soccer.

Following quickly on the heels of the agreements to capture Messi and Busquets, Inter has confirmed the signing of Alba. Although the team has the option to extend his contract for an additional year, he has signed a one-season deal.

Since Andres Iniesta is reportedly being courted by Miami to play in Major League Soccer, Alba might not be the only ex-Barcelona player to go.

JOR𝐒Í pic.twitter.com/SumFvFTiEO

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2023

Alba won the Champions League and La Liga six times while playing for Barcelona between 2012 and 2023, cementing his place in club history. He and Spain also won the 2012 Euros.

Alba will hope to be involved with Inter Miami’s pre-season

Sporting director Chris Henderson said: “Jordi is an accomplished, dynamic and experienced player that we’re excited to acquire to continue bolstering our squad. He has proven for over a decade that he is one of the best fullbacks in the sport due to both his defensive solidity and capacity to contribute in the attack. We know that he’ll help Inter Miami achieve the Club’s objectives this season and beyond.”

Oficial✍️🇪🇸Bienvenido @JordiAlba

We have signed Spanish international defender Jordi Alba to a contract through the 2024 season. Find out all the details:https://t.co/43s7DbZ528https://t.co/dj2lmpulM2 pic.twitter.com/DkVnMRT35n

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 20, 2023

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Gavi’s youth contract was set to end this summer, and he and Barcelona reached a long-term extension last September. However, the deal wasn’t recognized because of the club’s financial difficulties, which prevented them from raising players’ salaries without first lowering them.

Inconveniently, other clubs from across Europe kept a careful eye on the situation as Gavi technically drew closer to the conclusion of his contract, just in case Barcelona couldn’t come to an agreement with the midfielder.

But now that La Liga has officially validated Gavi’s registration as a first-team player, the ordeal is finally ended.

The 18-year-old’s contract now has a €1 billion release clause and extends until the summer of 2026.

Following the signing of his agreement, Gavi briefly wore the number six jersey for the season. The teenager was forced to switch back to his old number, 30 after La Liga determined that he could not be registered as a first-team player.

For manager Xavi, who mainly relied on Gavi last season, the uncertainty being resolved will be a huge comfort. The youthful midfielder made 49 games across all leagues, including 30 starts in La Liga, and contributed three goals and seven assists in the process.

Barcelona is still determined to reduce salaries this summer. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s departures will definitely have been beneficial, but the Blaugrana are still anticipated to sell a few players to further their cause.

It was intended to utilize a significant portion of any additional income to re-sign Lionel Messi, but as a formal offer couldn’t be made in time, the Argentine chose to join Inter Miami instead.

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Jordi Alba has revealed that his decision to leave Barcelona this summer was prompted by his inability to perform at the same standard he used to.

The 34-year-old only started 14 La Liga games in 2022/23, down from 30 the previous season, owing to competition for playing time with developing prospect Alejandro Balde.

Alba has openly stated his desire to stay since his impending exit was reported last month.

He still had a season remaining on his contract, but it was mutually cancelled, and the left-back now believes it was the correct thing to do.

“Whenever I have said that I wanted to stay, it was because I felt that way. Being selfish, I could have stayed,” Alba explained to Radio Marca.

“I had a one-year contract and an optional one. But assessing everything, the situation, already losing prominence on the pitch, despite the fact that when I played, I felt very good.

“I think it was the best time to leave. I think I’ve done well. You never want to leave Barcelona, ​​but I think it was the right and opportune moment. I’m leaving happy, within the pity not to play more with this shirt.”

Alba attended La Masia for seven years as a youngster before moving back to Valencia in 2012. Over the course of an 11-year span, he made over 450 games and won 17 titles, including the Champions League as part of a triple in 2014–15.

Reflecting on reduced game he added: “It’s been a difficult year, but I got used to having fewer minutes and I tried to help everyone, all those who play in my position like Balde and Marcos [Alonso],..and when I’ve played, I’ve been at a good level. Going into the background has not been easy. I think I have handled it with [dignity].” 

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After 11 trophy-filled years at Barcelona, Jordi Alba has announced that he will be leaving Camp Nou.

In 2012, the 34-year-old Valencia native signed from there and went on to establish himself as one of the top left-backs of his time. During his stay at Catalunya, he celebrated six La Liga championships, five Copa del Reys, and a Champions League trophy among others.

However, Alba’s time at Barca has come to an end after losing his spot to 19-year-old Alejandro Balde this season, signalling a generational shift to one of the most illustrious teams in the world this summer.

In a video posted to his social media platforms, he announced his choice while reflecting on his illustrious time with the club.

💙❤️ GRÀCIES 💙❤️ GRACIAS 💙❤️ THANK YOU 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/2pARAdY02j

— Jordi Alba (@JordiAlba) May 24, 2023

Barca have also released an official statement bidding farewell to Alba, which reads: “FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the player’s contract with the club one year earlier than it was due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season. FC Barcelona would like to publicly express its gratitude to Alba for his professionalism, commitment and dedication, and his ever-positive and friendly relationship with all members of the Barca family, and wishes him every fortune in the future. Barça will always be a home for you, Jordi.”

FC Barcelona and Jordi Alba have reached an agreement to terminate the latter's contract binding him to the club until the end of the 2023/24 season

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2023

Alba follows midfield the foundation Sergio Busquets out of Camp Nou’s exit doors; Busquets announced his resignation earlier this month.

Busquets‘ contract expired at the end of the season, while Alba’s was still active and had one year left on it. According to Relevo writer Toni Juanmarti, the full-back forfeited a substantial portion of his income by leaving this summer since it was due to him in deferred payments.

Although Saudi Arabia has been mentioned as a possible destination for the Spaniard to spend the upcoming season, there has also been talk of a surprise transfer to Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid.

For the time being, though, preparations will be made for a last farewell for both Alba and Busquets at Camp Nou, when Barca hosts Mallorca in a league match on Sunday.

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