Alba: Messi can improve any team, he also makes me a better player

June 13 Alba was interviewed by FIFA's official website and talked about Messi and the upcoming Club World Cup.

You are 36 years old. What does it mean to you when you make a debut in the Club World Cup at this age?

I still have the same excitement and desire as ever, but I also know that this will be a tough battle. I am very lucky to have played side by side with the world's top players at Barcelona, ​​and I know the difficulty of competing with top teams. Now I play for Miami International, but my love and passion for football has never faded. I hope we can be a strong contender, but most importantly, enjoy the process because most of our players have never experienced such a game. This is a rare opportunity for our players, everyone in the club and fans.

By July this year, you will be joining Miami International for two years. What is the significance of this experience to you?

Since the first day of joining, the club has given me meticulous care, and my family has also found the feeling of home here. I still long for competition and victory. As a member of the club, I hope we can achieve our established goals. Maybe I'm 36, but that desire never fades until the day I decide to hang my boots. As long as my body allows it, as long as my mentality remains the same, I will continue to fight to achieve every goal.

What achievements do you think Miami International can achieve in the Club World Cup?

We hope to show competitiveness and leave a mark on the world stage. This is our first opportunity to debut on the global stage. Whether as a team or a club, we have high expectations and aspire to make fans proud.

About the tacit understanding between myself and Messi

We have been fighting side by side in the Barcelona locker room for many years. Although we have been separated for two years, we now have the opportunity to reunite here again. With just one look, we can understand each other’s thoughts. We have been lucky enough to score many goals in collaboration, and this tacit understanding is easy to establish. I think it's an honor to be able to compete with the greatest players in history. I have always said that Messi can improve any team and he has also made me a better player.

Is participating in the Club World Cup exciting?

It is exciting for fans in the United States and here to experience such a high level of events. I'm lucky to have participated in similar events, which are always particularly special. This Club World Cup is different from other events I have experienced, which makes it more meaningful. I am looking forward to the start of the event and looking forward to seeing the performance of all participating teams.

What kind of atmosphere do you expect to have in the Club World Cup?

This is a special event. First of all, we hope that fans can support us throughout the process, make them proud of us, and make us prove ourselves to be true competitors. But I believe that all fans of the team will be immersed in the event and enjoy this feast.

The first match between the Miami International Club World Cup and Cairo Nationals

We faced strong enemies in our first match, but fortunately we fought at home. I hope everyone can come to the scene, cheer for us and enjoy the competition.