MLS’ Inter Miami could be planning to rope in yet another ex-Barcelona player as they are reported to have sent an offer to the legendary Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta. Iniesta bid farewell to Japanese side Vissel Kobe after serving them for 5 years since 2018.
Source: Reuters
Iniesta to Reunite with Messi, Busquets, Alba?
According to Spanish radio station, RAC1, the Florida club have made an offer to the 2010 World Cup winner, who is now a free agent after announcing his departure from the Japanese club. Iniesta joined Vissel Kobe in 2018 after leaving his boyhood club Barcelona after 22 years.
Iniesta’s arrival will link him up with his long-term Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, and Sergio Busquets, whose signings have already been confirmed by the US side. Their attempt to put together the most star-studded team in MLS history is gaining pace as they continue to be linked with legendary figures.
The lowest-ranked team in MLS’ Eastern Conference is believed to be in advanced talks with Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, all of whom have won multiple major trophies including the UCL, Euro, Copa America, and the World Cup between them.
He formed an iconic midfield trio with fellow Spaniards Xavi and Sergio Busquets at both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team and propelled the sides to the biggest glories between 2008 and 2015. Both Barcelona and the Spain sides, led by the Barca trio are considered arguably the greatest club and international teams of all time respectively.
Barcelona and Spain mesmerized spectators across the globe as they swept aside formidable teams with their dominant “Tiki-taka” style of play, where they dominated possession with innumerable passes and high press in an extravagant display of ultra-attacking football.
The former La Masia graduate had 674 appearances for the Catalan club, where he scored 57 times and made 137 assists. He is one of the most decorated players ever with 35 titles between Spain and Barcelona. A man of big stages, Iniesta remains the only player in history to have been judged the man of the match in the World Cup, Euro, and UCL finals. Spain became world champions in 2010 with the help of Iniesta’s solitary goal.
Source: The18
Iniesta to Remain Active While Retiring
An emotional Iniesta expressed his desire to retire “on the field,” as he addressed crowds in the sold-out Misaki Park Stadium during his farewell speech. He states that he is taking his next steps in accordance with that desire.
Whether the diminutive midfield master joins his friends Messi, and Busquets in Miami is yet to be decided by the player, according to Spanish sources. It is also reported that Iniesta has offers on the plate from Saudi Arabia as well.
Should the American side assemble a team crammed with superstars, football can emerge as one of the most popular sports in the North American nation, as well as guaranteeing unprecedented viewership across the country.
Iniesta’s probable reunion with his Barca and Spain teammates at Inter Miami seems to be ideal emotionally as this could be his final destination before the legendary player hangs up his boots. He could also possibly play under his former coach at Barcelona, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, who has been confirmed as Messi & Co’s head coach by David Beckham’s club.
