For all Jordi Alba has accomplished during his nearly two-decade-long career, he keeps reaching new heights.
The world-class defender dished out four assists Thursday night at Chase Stadium as Inter Miami CF held on for a 4-3 win over Toronto FC, establishing a new Leagues Cup record. The four helpers also marked a single-game career-high for the former Spanish international.
With Alba's contributions, the reigning Leagues Cup champions reached the Round of 16 and await the winner of Friday night's Columbus Crew vs. Sporting Kansas City match (7:30 pm ET | Apple TV - Free).
Three of Alba's assists came inside 20 minutes, creating goals from Matías Rojas, Diego Gómez and Luis Suárez. He then helped Rojas ice the match in the 59th minute, setting up a long-range golazo that gave 10-man Miami enough cushion to advance past Toronto.
Miami played nearly 70 minutes (including stoppage time) down a man after defender David Martínez was red-carded in the first half.
“At Barcelona, I was lucky enough to give three assists in a game," Alba said postgame. "And today, in addition to the four, I could’ve had two more – in the first half especially.
" … I’m a player who likes to attack, I like to give assists. I’ve been doing it my whole life and I’m doing it this year as well, and I’m very happy about that. I’m very happy at the club, very happy in Miami with everyone. Very happy."
Alba, arguably the best left back of his generation, joined Inter Miami last summer following a dozen years at FC Barcelona. He debuted in Leagues Cup 2023 alongside Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, ushering in a new era for the Herons.
In MLS play, Alba has 4g/7a in 20 matches for the Supporters' Shield leaders. His 13 goal contributions are the third-most on Miami, equaling Julian Gressel.
