Tag: Jordi Alba

Inter Miami crumbles under Monterrey pressure, crashing out of Concacaf Champions Cup

Messi’s return didn’t prevent another instance of Miami losing its composure against Los Rayados

Inter Miami’s dreams of worldwide glory will have to wait another year.

Lionel Messi’s return was not enough for Miami, who boiled over en route to a 3-1 second-leg defeat in its Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against Monterrey.

Just like in the first leg, the Herons finished with 10 men — Jordi Alba was sent off after the damage was already done — and Los Rayados would end up strolling to a 5-2 aggregate win thanks to goals from Brandon Vazquez, Germán Berterame, and Jesús Gallardo.

Coming off of a 2-1 Monterrey win at Chase Stadium, Miami and Monterrey settled into an unsurprising pattern: the slower but technically gifted visitors looking to use possession to unlock the hosts’ defense, while Los Rayados emphasized counter-attacking play from a mid-block.

“I think that the players understood where the game was going,” Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz told reporters after the game, explaining his use of a 4-4-2 diamond in defensive phases. “We knew that they were going to dominate the game with the ball, and we wanted them to feel desperate, close the spaces, so that they couldn’t find the internal [passes] that has damaged so many rivals.”

Miami may have been trying to replicate what the Columbus Crew had done on Tuesday in knocking off Tigres, but the Herons could only end up copying the wrong aspects of that performance.

Drake Callender — as Crew goalkeeper Patrick Schulte did the night before — got it all wrong with the ball at his feet, gifting possession to the opponent’s most dangerous goalscorer.

For Monterrey, that’s Vazquez, and the U.S. men’s national team prospect quickly punished the mistake to give Monterrey a two-goal aggregate edge.

Beyond the goal, an otherwise plodding first half offered two talking points: the dreadful pitch conditions at Estadio BBVA, and Luis Suárez wrenching Víctor Guzmán’s arm to a painful angle.

The former slowed possession for both teams down to a crawl in certain areas, with divots popping up all over the field. The latter was not spotted by the officiating crew, and somehow evaded a VAR check, much less an actual punishment.

That might have been more of a flashpoint when Suárez scored shortly thereafter thanks to a flick from Messi, but the Uruguay star was correctly called offside.

In the end, Miami probably needed the lucky break that would have been an illegitimate goal. Monterrey came out of the locker room and thoroughly dominated the start of the second half. After a slew of chances, the Liga MX powers finally found a critical second on the night via a blistering strike from Berterame.

“I believe that what got us out of the game is the second goal, 15 minutes into the second half,” admitted Miami boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino. “I think at that time, we lost our way, we were [already] eliminated.”

Miami was adrift, and another giveaway at the back ended the already remote hopes of a late comeback.

This time, Diego Gómez’s attempt to switch fields was instead slammed directly into Gallardo, who just kept his run going to head home Berterame’s lob into the box.

With advancement out of reach in an acrimonious match, things only went downhill from there for Miami. Jordi Alba picked up two yellow cards in four minutes, exploding at referee Iván Barton as the Salvadoran issued the second in the 78th minute.

Before the match veered into truly embarrassing territory, Messi managed to help save some dignity for the Herons. The Argentine, booed throughout by Monterrey fans, found Gómez with an inch-perfect dead ball delivery, allowing the Paraguay midfielder to nod in a consolation goal in the 86th minute.

Still, the whole experience was chastening for Miami, who didn’t have the legs or mental strength to compete with the best of Concacaf over two legs.

“We knew Monterey is a very good team, and obviously a tough opponent. They played really well, and we made some mistakes that cost us,” said Julian Gressel in an interview with FS1 after the match. “Hopefully we’ll learn from it, and we can move on into the next competition and do well.”

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Inter Miami vs. Houston Dynamo: How to watch U.S. Open Cup final

The status of Lionel Messi is the biggest question mark heading into Wednesday’s game

Inter Miami is set for its next opportunity at silverware since the arrival of the team’s vaunted Barcelona trio, headlined by Lionel Messi.

Miami hosts the Houston Dynamo in the U.S. Open Cup final on Wednesday. The Herons are looking to complete a double after taking home the Leagues Cup shortly after Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba arrived at the club.

But in a blow for Miami, Messi is a game-time decision while Alba is likely out. Both left Miami’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC before halftime in an MLS game last week.

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Even so, Miami has the might to hang without their stars. The Florida Derby against Orlando City SC saw Inter squeak out a 1-1 draw over the weekend. Miami has also won six of its last seven games at home.

And that’s not to say there isn’t the possibility of Messi coming off the bench. That could be a realistic option against Houston.

The Dynamo, headlined by Mexico international Héctor Herrera in the midfield, did fall over the weekend to Sporting Kansas City, but that ended a streak of seven unbeaten. That’s a good run of form for a club looking for its first trophy since 2018 (U.S. Open Cup).

Here is everything you need to know to catch all the final action:

Inter Miami vs. Houston Dynamo (U.S. Open Cup)

  • When: Wednesday, Sept. 27
  • Where: DRV PNK Stadium (Miami)
  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: CBS Sports Network, Telemundo, Universo, Paramount+, Peacock.

Open Cup Starting Lineups

Inter Miami possible lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Aviles, Allen; Cremaschi, Arroyo, Busquets; Farias, Campana, Taylor

Houston Dynamo possible lineup:
Clark; Escobar, Bartlow, Hadebe, Smith; Caicedo, Herrera; Iturre, Carasquilla, Kowalczyk; Ibrahim

U.S. Open Cup Final Odds and betting lines

MLS odds courtesy of Draft Kings Sportsbook. Odds were last updated Tuesday 5:44 PM ET.

Inter Miami (-120) vs. Houston Dynamo (+260)

Draw: (+290)

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Martino: Messi game-time decision for Open Cup final, Alba likely out

Messi and Alba have both been dealing with muscle fatigue in recent weeks

Inter Miami head coach Tata Martino has said Lionel Messi will be a game-time decision for Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo.

Martino added that left back Jordi Alba would likely not be able to play.

Messi and Alba have both been dealing with muscle fatigue in recent weeks. Alba didn’t train on Tuesday, while Messi was a partial participant.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Martino said on Messi: “We’ll wait until the last minute to see what decision we make.”

On Alba, the coach added: “Jordi, it’s going to be difficult.”

After winning the Leagues Cup in August, Inter Miami is chasing a trophy double when it hosts the Dynamo on Wednesday at DRV PNK Stadium.

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After a flying start to life with Inter Miami, fitness issues have slowed Messi in recent weeks.

The superstar missed out on Argentina’s second match of a two-game window earlier this month against Bolivia. Upon his return to the United States, Messi would then sit out Miami’s 5-2 defeat at Atlanta United.

Messi returned for last week’s win over Toronto FC, but he and Alba both left the game in the first half. Martino said Messi was dealing with “old scar tissue” while Alba had “muscular fatigue.”

The pair, along with Sergio Busquets, sat out Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Orlando City as they looked to get as fit as possible for Wednesday’s final.

Busquets looks likely to play, as he spoke with the media alongside Martino. The midfielder said his longtime Barcelona teammate would do all he could to be ready for the final.

“I think Leo has the desire to help the team and to win another championship. But like we said earlier, he’s going to know how much he can contribute,” Busquets said. “Every day that passes is a point in favor of how much he can contribute. But like we saw the other day, even after resting during Argentina’s game and our game at Atlanta, and seeming perfectly fine, [he wasn’t fit for the Toronto game].”

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Messi-less Inter Miami keeps playoff dreams alive — for now

A draw at Orlando City is a great result in a vacuum, but it may not be enough

Time is running out for Inter Miami’s hopes of an unlikely MLS playoff berth, but the Herons put forth a valiant effort in a 1-1 draw at Orlando City on Sunday.

Without star trio Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, an away match against second-place Orlando was a daunting proposition for Inter Miami.

Thanks to an awful start to the season, Miami has had virtually no margin for error since the arrival of the former Barcelona stars. Earning a point at Orlando is a solid result in a vacuum, but wins will be desperately needed from here on out for a side still 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference.

David Ruiz gave Inter Miami the lead just after halftime against Orlando, which earned a share of the points through a 66th-minute equalizer from Duncan McGuire.

With five games to play, Miami is five points back of NYCFC in the ninth and final playoff position in the East. Though Miami has two games in hand over NYCFC, it still has to leapfrog five teams to move into playoff position.

Speaking to reporters after the game, head coach Tata Martino said he was happy with the result under the circumstances — even though he admitted it may not have been enough.

“We played with three kids from the academy and one of them scored,” Martino said. “We were able to get a draw; I think at some point we could’ve lost the game, but in another moment it was there for us. Taking all of this into consideration, we’ll see if this point matters for what we’re ultimately trying to accomplish. But if you think about it solely for what the game was, truly I’m leaving very satisfied, because a great effort was made today.”

The big question now surrounds the health of Messi, Busquets and Alba — all nursing various levels of minor injuries and fatigue — ahead of Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup final against Houston.

Martino wouldn’t give much away on Messi’s status, but was clear that he wouldn’t take an unnecessary risk in a game that could see Miami complete a double after winning the Leagues Cup last month.

“It’s very difficult to give him a percentage because we have to take it day by day,” Martino said. “We’ll continue to evaluate him and, as I always say, I will listen to him first and see how he’s feeling. Then we’ll also need to evaluate future risks. It’s not an easy decision, but we’re going to take the right amount of time to try to not make a mistake.”

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Messi dealing with ‘old scar tissue,’ is day-to-day for Inter Miami

Messi and Jordi Alba are out on Sunday, but could be back for the U.S. Open Cup final

Lionel Messi has an uncertain timeline to return for Inter Miami, but the MLS side seems to think he’ll be back soon.

Miami head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino told reporters on Friday that the Argentine star aggravated an old issue during the first half of Wednesday’s win over Toronto FC. Messi and Jordi Alba both left the game in the first half.

“Leo is dealing with an old scar tissue,” said Martino. “Jordi has muscular fatigue. We will evaluate them day-by-day… Neither Alba nor [Messi] are [available to play] for Sunday.”

Messi was given a game to rest after international duty for Argentina, sitting out Miami’s 5-2 loss at Atlanta United. In his return Wednesday night, Messi walked off under his own power in the 37th minute, shortly after attempting a through ball against Toronto. That change came barely two minutes after Alba was also substituted, who like Messi walked off without assistance.

The Herons would go on to thrash TFC 4-0, keeping the club’s playoff hopes alive despite seeing two crucial players both come off before halftime.

“It’s bothersome. I don’t know if it hurts. I can’t really explain as it’s more a medical topic,” added Martino. “It’s probable it bothers him to the point, including mentally, that he isn’t able to play freely.”

Getting Messi and Alba back is a pressing matter for Miami. For one thing, the Herons have just six games to make up a five-point deficit to qualify for the MLS playoffs. While ripping TFC to shreds without those two on the field was a positive sign for Miami, the fact is that Toronto is having a terrible season.

Miami’s remaining schedule includes the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo coming up on Wednesday, as well as daunting games against FC Cincinnati and Orlando City, two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The other four matches all include direct competition for that last playoff spot, including two clashes with Charlotte FC in the season’s final week.

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Messi and Alba leave Inter Miami win early, will miss next match

The star pair each left Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Toronto FC in the first half

Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba both departed Wednesday’s win over Toronto FC in the first half, and have been ruled out for Miami’s next match on Sunday against Orlando City.

The Argentine superstar trudged off in the 37th minute of the match at DRV PNK Stadium, with Robert Taylor replacing him. The Herons would go on to win 4-0, with all four goals coming after both players exited.

The reason for Messi’s exit was not readily apparent. The Barcelona legend attempted to play a through ball for teammate Josef Martínez that was intercepted, and slowed measurably in the aftermath. After a few moments of slowly walking as Miami dropped into a defensive shape, Messi put his hands on his knees and stopped moving.

Within seconds, the ball went out, with Messi immediately walking to DeAndre Yedlin to hand over the captain’s armband before leaving the match.

Furthering the club’s worries, Alba was substituted three minutes earlier than Messi.

After the game, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino admitted that taking Messi and Alba off “wasn’t part of the plan,” but added that the duo hadn’t sustained any new issues and were not suffering from any muscular injuries.

“They trained normally and we felt like they were ready to play. I don’t believe it’s anything new or anything worse than what they have. It’s fatigue. I don’t think it’s a muscular injury,” Martino said.

The coach added that both Messi and Alba would miss Sunday’s league match against Orlando City.

Messi missed Miami’s last game on Saturday with what Martino called  “muscular fatigue” following the international break. During that window, Messi played in Argentina’s 1-0 win over Ecuador, but did not step on the field for a 3-0 victory at Bolivia.

Timing couldn’t be worse for Miami

Messi and Alba’s health issues are coming at a particularly rough time for Miami, which is chasing a playoff spot and a U.S. Open Cup title.

Miami has six games to go in the club’s immensely difficult pursuit of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Herons currently sit five points behind D.C. United, who hold the ninth and final postseason berth at the moment.

On top of that, Miami has a shot at its second trophy since Messi’s arrival coming up, with the U.S. Open Cup final against the Houston Dynamo on September 27.

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Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC: How to watch as Messi could make return

Will Messi return to action for Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC on Wednesday?

Can’t win ’em all — at least, not when Lionel Messi is missing from the lineup.

Atlanta United handed Inter Miami its first defeat in all competitions since Messi’s arrival over the weekend via a 5-2 result.

Miami will look to get back to winning ways against Toronto FC in a midweek clash on Wednesday. Since the arrival of Messi in July (in addition to Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba shortly after), Inter had gone unbeaten in 12 matches.

However, Messi and Alba ended up not playing in Atlanta, with head coach Tata Martino saying both missed the match due to “muscular fatigue.”

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With the loss, the Herons dropped to nine points behind ninth-place D.C. United in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto is a fantastic opportunity at a rebound, though, as the only team below Miami in the Eastern Conference standings. Going into the game, the status of Messi and Alba is still in doubt.

Here is everything you need to know to catch all the action:

Inter Miami vs. Toronto FC (Major League Soccer)

  • When: Wednesday, Sept. 20
  • Where: DRV PNK Stadium (Fort Lauderdale)
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: Apple TV

MLS Starting Lineups

Inter Miami possible lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Miller, Allen; Arroyo, Busquets, Cremaschi; Taylor, Campana, Farias

Toronto FC possible lineup:
Romero; Franklin, Rosted, Bradley, Petretta; Ibarra, Coello, Osorio; Insigne, Kerr, Bernardeschi

MLS Odds and betting lines

MLS odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Odds were last updated Tuesday at 9:04 a.m. 

Inter Miami (-310) vs. Toronto FC (+650)

Draw: (+440)

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Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami: How to watch as Messi returns to MLS play

A massive crowd is expected at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the marquee matchup

The international break felt a lot different this time around in Major League Soccer.

Plenty of players in the league reported for international duty, but few have ever done so after riding the highs Lionel Messi has been hitting recently with Inter Miami.

Despite having to play a match against Sporting KC over the international break without Messi (a 3-2 win), Miami remains unbeaten in 12 games since the Argentine arrived — with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba joining shortly after.

Now Messi and Co. return to MLS play against Atlanta United, with a massive crowd expected at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

In the Leagues Cup in July, Inter cruised to a 4-0 win over Atlanta in a contest where Messi bagged a brace. However, it’s expected to be a much tighter affair in MLS play.

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In fact, in a rare occurrence, Miami is the slight underdog. Atlanta, sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, has a decent shot to become the first team to beat Miami since Messi’s arrival.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami is on 28 points after 26 matches, sitting six points behind D.C. United in the final postseason position.

Here is everything you need to know to catch all the action:

Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami (Major League Soccer)

  • When: Saturday, Sept. 15
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta)
  • Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: Apple TV

MLS Starting Lineups

Atlanta United possible lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Abram, Wiley; Sosa, Sejdic, Wolff, Almada; Giakoumakis, Lobzhanidze

Inter Miami possible lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Miller, Aviles, Alba; Arroyo, Busquets, Gomez; Taylor, Martinez, Messi

MLS Odds and betting lines

MLS odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Odds were last updated Friday at 1:39 p.m.

Atlanta United (+135) vs. Inter Miami (+150)

Draw: (+300)

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Inter Miami defender Alba retires from Spain national team

The defender earned 92 caps and scored nine goals over a 12-year international career

Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba has announced his retirement from the Spain national team.

Alba, who joined his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi with Inter Miami this summer, bows out after winning the UEFA Nations League this June in what would be his final Spain appearance.

Overall, the 34-year-old earned 92 caps and scored nine goals after making his senior international debut in October 2011. Alba played in three World Cups, three European Championships, the London Olympics and a Confederations Cup.

In addition to this year’s Nations League, Alba was also a part of Spain’s Euro 2012-winning squad, with the defender scoring in a 4-0 final victory over Italy.

Alba has made eight appearances for Inter Miami since signing in July, scoring one goal and adding two assists.

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How to watch Lionel Messi and Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC

Is there more Messi magic to come in another MLS outing?

In his first-ever Major League Soccer action, Lionel Messi scored and Inter Miami won.

Try not to act too shocked.

Messi brought excellent form to begin his North American career in cup competition, leading Inter Miami to a Leagues Cup title and then to an Open Cup semifinal victory over FC Cincinnati.

Saturday’s matchup with the New York Red Bulls was the first MLS match for Inter Miami since the arrivals of Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Amid a crowded set of fixtures, Messi and Busquets were rested in New York while Alba started the game.

However, Messi and Busquets entered the contest (along with United States international DeAndre Yedlin) with 30 minutes remaining — and yes, as noted, Messi still scored as a substitute.

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The 2-0 win over the Red Bulls pulled Inter off the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Still unbeaten since the arrival of Messi, next up is a team with revenge on their mind.

Miami hosts Nashville SC, the same side Inter defeated in the Leagues Cup final. It took a long shootout, which indicates a close fight could be on the docket for MLS fans.

With 21 points (14th place), Inter still sits 11 points back from a playoff spot. Meanwhile, Nashville will want to add to their 38 points which sees them positioned seventh in the table.

Here is everything you need to know to catch all the action:

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC

  • When: Wednesday, August 30
  • Where: DRV PNK Stadium, Ft. Lauderdale
  • Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Channel/streaming: Apple TV

MLS Starting Lineups

Inter Miami possible lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Kryvstov, Miller, Alba; Cremaschi, Busquets, Arroyo; Messi, Taylor, Martinez

Nashville possible lineup:
Willis; MacNaughton, Zimmerman, Bauer, Lovitz; Muyl, McCarty, Anunga, Leal; Mukhtar, Bunbury

MLS Odds and betting lines

MLS odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook. Odds were last updated Monday at 4:33 p.m.

Inter Miami (-195) vs. Nashville SC (+480)

Draw: (+330)

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