Who are Inter Miami CF's Fantastic Four?
In the world of football, tales of camaraderie, skill, and success often transcend the boundaries of clubs and countries, weaving narratives that fans cherish for generations. The recent reunion of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at Inter Miami CF has reignited memories of a golden era at FC Barcelona. This quartet, now fondly dubbed Inter Miami's "Fantastic Four," is set to create ripples in the MLS, bringing with them an ethos of tried and tested excellence that should guarantee success at Chase Stadium.
The 2024 campaign has just kicked off and David Beckham's franchise is already looking ominous. They are unbeaten in their first three fixtures, winning two of them and doing so in dominant fashion. Bookmakers providing customers with a welcome bonus, such as Bet365 and their offering of up to $150 in free bets, have made Inter Miami CF a 9/4 favorite for the championship this year, and it would take a brave punter to bet against them.
But who are the players that are proving to be imperative to their success?
Lionel Messi
At the heart of this narrative is Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, whose career has been a constellation of staggering achievements. He won the Player of the Tournament award as he helped Argentina to 2022 FIFA World Cup glory in Qatar 18 months ago, and his move to Miami shortly thereafter made headlines across the country, immediately springing soccer into the mainstream just as Beckham's move to LA Galaxy did in 2007.
The former Barcelona star's move to the Sunshine State was a seismic event in the soccer world, signalling not just a new chapter in his illustrious career but also a significant coup for MLS. Just as he was when he led La Albiceleste to global glory in the Arabian Gulf, Messi has been in imperious form, netting three times in as many games, and he will be aiming for yet another trophy this season, the 41st of an incredible career.
Luis Suarez
Joining Messi in this exciting new venture is Luis Suarez, a striker whose name is synonymous with extraordinary goal-scoring exploits. The Uruguayan's chemistry with Messi on the pitch has been palpable throughout their careers, marked by an intuitive understanding and a shared instinct for finding the back of the net. Their partnership at Barcelona, forming two-thirds of the famed MSN trio alongside Neymar, was nothing short of legendary.
The 37-year-old left Barcelona four years ago after bagging a mighty 198 goals in 283 games, winning 13 trophies along the way. Since then, he added a fifth La Liga triumph to his resume with Atletico Madrid, before heading back home to South America to play for the likes of Gremio and Nacional. He joined Inter Miami in the summer on a free transfer and has hit the ground running, only being denied a hat-trick in the 5-0 drubbing against Orland City by the offside flag.
Sergio Busquets
Last season, midfield maestro Sergio Busquets was captaining Barcelona to yet another Spanish title, the ninth of his 15-year stint in Catalonia. Now, he finds himself an important piece of the puzzle in Miami. Often seen as the backbone of both Barcelona and the Spanish national team during their dominant years, the holding midfielder's role might have been understated but was never undervalued.
His ability to read the game, intercept plays, and initiate attacks from deep within his half, has made Busquets one of the most proficient defensive midfielders of his generation. He formed perhaps one-third of the greatest midfield of all time alongside Xavi and Andres Iniesta, and now hopes to roll back the years alongside three of his favorite teammates in Miami.
Jordi Alba
Completing the Fantastic Four is Jordi Alba, a left-back whose blistering pace and knack for contributing to the offensive play has made him one of the most dynamic defenders in modern football. Alba's understanding with Messi, characterized by their almost telepathic on-field exchanges, has been a source of numerous goals and highlights over the years.