Gerardo “El Tata” Martino, coach of Inter Miami, praised Spanish player Jordi Alba, who played a key role in their 2-0 victory against Puebla in the Leagues Cup.

"He owns the left wing. He gives us depth. It's not about skipping phases of the game with him; the reality is that with Jordi, it's like playing with a number 10 as a left-back," Martino stated in a press conference.

"The ball comes out clean, he knows how to find it low, how to find it high... And then he assists, probably one of the best in the league. Yes, of course, it's an advantage. But his career alone suggests that it's an advantage to play with him," he added.

Martino also described Alba as a left-back "of great hierarchy." Alba assisted Uruguayan Luis Suárez for Inter Miami's second goal. The first goal for the Florida team was scored by Paraguayan Matías Rojas.

Despite Lionel Messi being sidelined due to injury, Inter Miami started their defense of the Leagues Cup title they won in 2023 on the right foot.

Martino believes his team has the potential to be competitive and fight for victory in both the Leagues Cup and MLS, where they currently lead the Eastern Conference.

"I think we have the obligation to compete in both tournaments, not because we won this tournament last year but because the two tournaments don't overlap," he said.

"There’s no reason why we shouldn’t aim to go all the way in this tournament that started for us today. We'll see if we can do it or not, but I don't see any reason why we shouldn't try," he concluded.