The Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) has officially launched the 47th staging of its prestigious Prep School Championships, now rebranded as the JISA Prep Champs powered by GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds. The launch event took place recently at the Ministry of Education’s Head Office, marking the beginning of preparations for what promises to be an exciting showcase of young athletic talent.
Scheduled to be held at the National Stadium from June 13 to 15, 2024, the JISA Prep Champs will celebrate the hard work and dedication of young athletes from across Jamaica. Title sponsors GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds have committed JMD$4 million towards the execution of the event, underscoring their commitment to youth development and nation-building through sports.
Speaking at the launch, Chaluk Richards, General Manager of GK General Insurance, emphasized the transformative power of sports. "Events like these empower our youth with meaningful and life-changing activities that build both mind and body alike," Richards said. "By giving our young athletes a platform to learn and apply these core life values at an early age, we are, by extension, creating a more productive, balanced, and healthier Jamaica.”
JISA President Tamar McKenzie highlighted the event's longstanding significance in fostering excellence and sportsmanship among young athletes. “The Prep Champs, for close to 50 years, continue to inspire and motivate young athletes, fostering a culture of and a commitment to excellence and sportsmanship in education. This year will do that and more. It’s not just a competition; it's a platform that nurtures talent,” McKenzie noted.
Sharon Hunt, Independent Schools Registrar, representing the Ministry of Education, described the championships as “an opportunity for students to shine.” The event is expected to attract over 1,600 talented athletes from 45 schools across eight parishes, all competing for top honors.
In 2023, the Hydel Group of Schools emerged victorious, with Mona Prep securing second place and Vaz Prep taking third. This year’s event promises to be even more competitive, with a strong turnout anticipated from parents, peers, and well-wishers.
The JISA Prep Champs will have an entry fee of $500 per day for students and $2,000 per day for adults, ensuring that everyone can come out to support and enjoy the festivities.
In addition to the contributions from GK General Insurance and GK Mutual Funds, the event is supported by several corporate partners, including Little Caesars, Sunshine Snacks, Kisko, Pure Water, Jamaica Biscuit Company, SureTime Medical, Medical Disposables & Supplies, Rainbow Awnings, Emkay Trophies, World Class Athletics, Atlas Protection Limited, Pitech Limited, and Adtelligent.
With such robust support and a legacy of excellence, the 47th JISA/GKGI/GK Mutual Funds Prep Champs promises to be an outstanding event, celebrating the next generation of Jamaica’s track and field stars.
Jereem Richards, the Trinidadian Olympian, continues to draw inspiration from his late teammate and friend, Deon Lendore, as he competes on the international stage. Following his recent victory in the 200m dash at the Racer's Grand Prix in Kingston, Richards spoke with Sportsmax.TV about Lendore's enduring impact on his career and his hopes for greater support for track and field athletes in Trinidad and Tobago.
Richards, who delivered a stellar performance in front of several thousand cheering Jamaican fans, emphasized the stark contrast between the enthusiastic support he witnessed in Kingston and the often lukewarm reception track and field athletes receive back home.
A two-time Commonwealth Games 200m gold medalist, Richards highlighted the significant contributions track and field athletes have made to Trinidad and Tobago, lamenting the lack of recognition and support they receive compared to other sports. "Being real, in Trinidad and Tobago, track and field has been the biggest sport to bring back all the medals, and we don’t get that kind of recognition,” he remarked. “When it comes to sport, Trinidadians like cricket, they like football and will come out and support those two sports. But when it comes to us at trials, only people that are into track and field and families of track and field athletes would come out, and the stadium is basically empty."
Comparing the support Jamaican athletes receive, Richards noted, "At least Jamaicans will come out and watch you all compete, they’ll come out and support you. Even though they might judge Jamaican athletes harshly, they still give you all the support. We don’t have support like this, and I think that is very important for us."
Richards, who won 4x400m relay gold and 200m bronze at the 2017 World Championships in London, called on Trinidadians to rally behind their track and field athletes, especially in an Olympic year when the pressure to perform is immense. "Come out and support us. If you support us and we don’t do well and you judge us harshly, I will take that because you come out. But if you never come out, you can't judge us so harshly," he said.
Regarding his close friend who died tragically in a motor-vehicle crash in the USA in January 2022, Richards reveals that he thinks about his late friend constantly.
"All the time, boy. All the time," Richards said. "I want everybody to know how important he was. He led a strong generation of athletes from Trinidad and Tobago—myself, Machel Cedenio, Asa Guevara. A lot of us looked up to him."
Lendore, he said, remains a influential figure for him and his fellow athletes. "I feel like we only appreciate athletes when they’re gone, and I would not like that to happen to any other athletes again. I’m trying to push the narrative of appreciating the athletes now for when they do well so even when they’re done and even when they pass on, we still remember them and appreciate them for what they have done for the country," the 2022 World Indoor 400m champion concluded.
Though Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz were again on the losing end against Brazil, Head coach Hubert Busby says they will use the lessons from the two-match outing as a stepping stone, as they gradually rekindled their competitive fire ahead of major tournaments.
Much like Saturday’s first encounter, the Girlz were again blanked 4-0, as Jheniffer (64th, 79th), Cristiane (7th), and Marta (84th) did the damage at the Fonte Nova Arena, in Salvador, on Tuesday.
Still, the Jamaicans gave Busby his heart’s desire as they produced a much-improved performance at both ends of the park, but they were just not clinical enough to get on the scoresheet. However, to their credit, the Girlz did have a goal controversially ruled out for an offside, while Kayla McKenna slammed another effort into the upright.
While not happy about the scoreline, Busby lauded his team for the improved showing, which he believes represents a step in the right direction, especially with this being the first competitive tour together for the core players of last year’s World Cup team, in almost nine months.
“One of the things that we spoke about from the last match was improving our performance and I definitely was pleased with how we came and approached this game. Obviously not the result that we want because we come into every match to win and to get a result. But overall, the challenge was for the team to compete and show a better performance, and they did that,” Busby said.
Hubert Busby
“It's been an honour for us to be here in front of fantastic and passionate crowds and it's only going to put us in good stead, especially with some of our younger players who have come into a very hostile environment and learned what it's like to play at international level. So overall, you know, the two games aren't the results we want, but as part of the experience, it was exactly what we needed to start a new World Cup cycle,” he added.
Like Busby, attacking midfielder Atlanta Primus stressed the importance of regaining their competitive spirit and overall cohesiveness as a unit, and she is also of the view that Tuesday’s performance was a strong reminder of their capabilities.
“Obviously, it was important to come out and put a performance in. We haven't been together for a while, but I think to come and compete against one of the world's best is what we want to put ourselves back out there again. So, I think it was a good challenge for us and I think, moving forwards, these are the games you want to be involved in,” Primus reasoned.
“These are the games that are going to challenge us the most and set us up for the next World Cup, so, it's a challenge. Again, not the results we wanted, but credit to the girls, we worked hard, we put in a performance and I think today (Tuesday) was a lot better than we played on Saturday. So, yeah, credit to the girls and we keep building from here,” she stated.
Finally, Busby pointed to the strides made in Jamaica’s women’s football programme since they made their first World Cup appearance in France in 2019, as he believes the invitation from Brazil for the two-match friendly series is testament to that growth and development.
The now 42nd-ranked Girlz first engaged Brazil in 2019 and lost 3-0. However, they rebounded at last year’s global showpiece in Australia to not only hold the number 10-ranked South Americans to a goalless stalemate, but more importantly, made an historic appearance in the knockout round.
“When you think about where we are coming from 2019 to now, and think about the idea of Brazil inviting us to play in these matches, it's a huge testament to the programme and for us to be playing in these games is great. That wouldn't have happened four years ago, so it's a testament to how far we've come, but I know the group and the federation isn't satisfied just yet because we want to go even further,” Busby declared.
“It's very important that we play these games and we want to play tier one games and top teams in the top ten and top 20, because that's the only way you're going to grow. You know, you might not get the results you want, but it's always a measuring stick of which to find out where you are and how far you need to go to be the best,” the former national goalkeeper ended.
The New South Wales Swifts' recent decision to drop star shooter Samantha Wallace-Joseph in favor of teenager Grace Whyte for their clash against the Melbourne Mavericks has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts. The Swifts ultimately fell 58-64 to the Mavericks, with Jamaican-born Shimona Nelson leading the charge for the opposition, scoring an impressive 41 goals from 45 attempts.
Wallace-Joseph, a three-time club MVP and crucial component of the Swifts' attack, was replaced by Whyte, who managed only two goals from two attempts during the match. The decision to sideline Wallace-Joseph raised eyebrows, especially considering her return to competition this season after a two-year hiatus due to knee surgery.
Head coach Briony Akle addressed the controversial move, clarifying that Wallace-Joseph's exclusion was not due to injury. "She's not actually injured," Akle told Fox Netball. "We've just made a call on our 11th player this week, so we've brought Grace in halfway through the season and will see what we can do there."
Akle's strategy appeared to hinge on recent team dynamics and injuries. Whyte had been elevated to the game-day squad to fill in for injured midcourter Maddy Proud. In round eight, defender Jemma Donoghue took that spot, and Whyte retained her place as a shooter, leaving Wallace-Joseph out of the lineup.
Helen Housby, a key player for the Swifts, explained that the decision was a "club decision" and "out of players' hands." Initial speculation suggested Wallace-Joseph might be managing a niggle due to her recent return from injury, but Akle's comments dispelled these concerns.
Wallace-Joseph’s reduced game time this season and her apparent stiffness in the Swifts' round seven loss contributed to the decision. However, the move to bench such an experienced player raised questions about the tactical rationale, particularly when Whyte spent half of her 30 minutes on court playing wing attack rather than in the shooting end.
Akle acknowledged the team's struggles, citing the anger and frustration following their lowest-ever Super Netball total of 33 goals in round seven. The decision to omit Wallace-Joseph may have been influenced by these circumstances, aiming to shake up the team dynamics under pressure.
As the debate continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Coach Akle and the Swifts navigate the challenges ahead, with Wallace-Joseph's role in the team remaining a focal point of discussion.
Trinidad and Tobago Olympian Jereem Richards is heading towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a confident and relaxed mindset, feeling no pressure from the weight of national expectations. Richards, who recently clinched victory in the 200m at the Racer's Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica, expressed his satisfaction with his performance and his outlook for the upcoming Olympics.
Richards triumphed in the 200m at the National Stadium in Kingston last weekend, clocking an impressive 20.13 seconds. Reflecting on his race, Richards rated his performance highly. "I would rate it an eight out of 10. I felt really good in the warm-up. I thought I was ready to come off the turn in front of them although those guys are more one-two guys and I’m a four-two guy. Came off the turn not exactly where I wanted to be, but I know I’m strong and once I get tall, ain't much people could run the last 100m as effective as me."
While the time wasn't exactly what he had anticipated, Richards was pleased with his overall fitness and performance. "I won with 20.1. It wasn’t the time I expected, but I felt really good. If you give me three minutes (recovery) I could run that same time again. So praise God for the fitness level I have right now. I have to work on the speed a little bit more, but I believe everything is falling into the right time and the right place and when I actually need it to be, it’s gonna be there."
As Richards prepares for the Trinidad and Tobago national championships, he remains undecided on whether he will compete in the 200m or the 400m. Regardless of the event, his primary focus remains on maintaining his form and readiness for Paris.
When it comes to carrying the hopes of Trinidad and Tobago on the global stage, Richards feels no added pressure. The last time Trinidad and Tobago secured an Olympic medal was at the 2016 Rio Games when Keshorn Walcott won bronze in the men’s javelin. Despite this, Richards maintains a grounded perspective.
"To me, it’s no pressure. The way I think about it is the only people I really care about are my intimate circle—my family, my wife, my mother, and my close friends, my siblings also. Even though I know I will have the support of Trinidad and Tobago and the pressure of being expected to win a medal, at the end of the day, if I know I do well or don’t do well, my family and my intimate circle are the ones who actually do care about me outside of sport, so when I focus on them it takes away all the pressure."
Richards' approach emphasized the importance of personal support over external expectations. "People could say bad about performances, my family loves me each and every day and it doesn’t matter."
With this mindset, Jereem Richards is poised to tackle the challenges of the Olympic Games in Paris with confidence and composure, knowing that his success on the track is supported by the unwavering love and support of those who matter most to him.
Antigua and Barbuda sprinter Joella Lloyd is setting her sights high as she begins her campaign at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on Thursday. The 22-year-old, representing the University of Tennessee, aims to break the sub-11 second barrier in the 100m, a goal she is confident in achieving after recently establishing a new lifetime best.
Lloyd qualified for the nationals with a lifetime-best 11.06 seconds, securing a third-place finish in her heat at the NCAA Division I East First Round on May 25 at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Facility in Lexington. This impressive time not only marked a personal milestone but also set a new national record for Antigua and Barbuda, officially earning her a spot at the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
When asked about her ambitions for the NCAA Nationals, Lloyd did not hesitate. "Oh yes, sub-11 is the goal for nationals!" she affirmed, highlighting her determination to continue improving her times on the track.
Lloyd's aspirations extend beyond the collegiate championships. Having recently graduated with a Master’s in Sports Psychology and Motor Behaviour, she is also focused on representing Antigua and Barbuda in both the 100m and 200m at the Olympic Games in Paris.
This dual qualification would mark a significant achievement for the young sprinter, who competed in the 100m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics but did not advance past the preliminary round, finishing with a time of 11.54 seconds.
"I’m trying to do both 100 and 200m, but I haven’t run the 200m as much this season," Lloyd explained in an interview with Sportsmax.TV. "Hopefully, with some meets this summer, I’ll be able to qualify for the 200m as well and run it in Paris."
Lloyd's lifetime best in the 200m stands at 22.66 seconds, a time she set in Oregon in June 2022. This season, her best effort in the 200m has been 23.36 seconds, recorded in Baton Rouge in March. Despite not competing frequently in the 200m this year, Lloyd is optimistic about her chances of qualifying and competing in both sprint events at the Olympics.
As she steps onto the track at Hayward Field, Joella Lloyd carries the hopes of a nation eager to see her break new ground. Her journey through the NCAA Championships is not just about individual glory but also about preparing for the ultimate stage in Paris.
The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel has unveiled the 15-member squad set to tour England for the three-Test Richards Botham series, which starts at Lord's on Wednesday, 10 July 2024.
Test matches between these two rivals date back to 1928 when the West Indies made their first trip to England. The Teams now compete for the Richards Botham Trophy, named in honour of West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards and England great Lord Ian Botham.
Captain Kraigg Brathwaite will continue his leadership role, with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph again serving as Vice-Captain. The team is scheduled to arrive in England on 23 June for a training camp at Tonbridge School, ahead of a 4-day warm-up match at Beckingham commencing on the 4 July.
CWI Lead Selector, the Most Honorable Dr. Desmond Haynes, expressed confidence in the squad's composition.
“The squad has been shaped with both experience and emerging talent, ensuring a strong balance as we face the challenge of playing in English conditions. Over the past year, our red-ball program has continued to develop. Following our victory in the last Test in Australia in January, it is evident that we are seeing the fruits of that investment. Each player selected has earned their place through consistent performances and hard work. We are confident that this blend of seasoned players and emerging faces will perform admirably against England.”
Young Fast Bowler Jayden Seales returns to the squad having missed the last Test Series against Australia due to injury and experienced all-rounder Jason Holder has earned a recall having made himself unavailable for the last tour.
There is also a first international selection for 23-year-old opening batsman Mikyle Louis.
Louis, a former West Indies U19 International, scored 682 runs in his debut First Class season for the Leeward Island Hurricanes at an average of 48.71. Should he debut for the West Indies in England, he will become the first Kittitian to wear the famous Maroon test cap.
The West Indies 15-member test squad is as follows:
These players will be supported by the following team management unit:
West Indies' last test match was a resounding victory in Australia earlier this year. Since then, all selected players were involved in the West Indies Championship, which concluded in April and was won by the Guyana Harpy Eagles.
19-year-old fast bowler, Isai Thorne will travel with the squad as a development player, following impressive performances in this debut First Class season taking 31 wickets at average 16.29 in his first eight matches.
The West Indies are the current holders of the Richards Botham Trophy following the 1-0 Home Test Series win in March 2022.
Though slighted disappointed with the outcome of their opening loss to Brazil, Jamaica’s Head coach Hubert Busby took heart from aspects of his senior Reggae Girlz performance, which he is hoping they can build on to prove even more competitive in the second contest on Tuesday.
Out for the first time together in almost nine months, the core group of players that held Brazil to a goalless stalemate at last year's FIFA Women's World Cup, expectedly lacked cohesiveness and were simply outclassed by the South Americans, who romped to a 4-0 win in Saturday’s first encounter at the Arena de Pernambuco in Recife.
The iconic Marta led her team with a brace in the 64th and 90th minutes, while Adriana (26th), and a 38th-minute own-goal by Chantelle Swaby, propelled Brazil to a comfortable win.
However, with the proverbial rust now shaken, Busby, who didn’t have experienced defender Allyson Swaby and winger Jody Brown available for the first game, is anticipating a more fluid showing in the second encounter, with or without the duo as uncertainty surrounds their fitness for the decisive contest at the Fonte Nova Arena in Salvador.
Kickoff is 5:00pm Jamaica time.
Among the positives from the first contest was the fact that the Girlz did manage to show glimpses of their attacking prowess and even got the ball in the net from a corner early on, but it was ruled out for a foul, as Kayla McKenna nudged Brazil's custodian in an aerial challenge for possession. Besides that, only stand-in captain Deneisha Blackwood and goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer really showed any real fight in Jamaica's backline.
“Heading into the game, we’re looking to improve on all aspects of the game, and more importantly not just the result, which is the most important thing, but really look to improve our overall team performance,” Busby said in a pre-game interview.
“Allyson and Jody will be a little bit of game time decisions. Obviously, both players trained (on Monday), which is a positive sign, so we'll check in on them and decide where we go from there. It's important that we're not risking them because some of these players are getting ready to go into preseason, so their health and safety and overall well-being is important. So while we would love to have them as we seek to build on the positives of the first game, we won’t risk it if they are not ready,” he added.
As he reflected on, and assessed Saturday’s defeat, Busby again stressed the importance of ball possession, particularly when absorbing pressure defensively, and pointed to that as one element of their game in which he is expecting mark improvements.
“Football is a game of rhythm and moments, and we were never quite able to get into our rhythm or moments because we're always defending, and so one of the things we really need to work on going forward is our ability to hold up the ball up front and allow for us to get out as a group,” Busby reasoned.
“Once we do that, then we can then obviously look to attack a little bit more in numbers, which is something that is a part of our playing model and some of the principles that we try to implement. So we just need to rekindle the team’s understanding and chemistry and just build on that going forward,” he ended.
Mount Pleasant Football Club, the 2023 Jamaica Premier League (JPL) champions, has announced that the contracts of head coach Theodore Whitmore and his technical staff will not be renewed. The club is set to embark on a new direction that aligns Mount Pleasant Academy with the Football Club.
Mount Pleasant announced that the contracts of Whitmore and his staff will expire on July 31, 2024. In a statement, the club cited the need for a new direction as the reason for the change.
"The club is embarking on a new direction which synchronizes Mount Pleasant Academy and Mount Pleasant Football Club," the statement read. "Mount Pleasant will shortly announce a new technical team to chart the course of the club. The club is committed to achieving all the sporting goals and objectives entering this new phase and new direction."
Whitmore, who joined Mount Pleasant in July 2022, led the team to its first JPL title last year, triumphing over Cavalier 2-1 in the finals. His tenure followed his departure from the national senior men's football team in December 2021.
Mount Pleasant relinquished their title when they lost to Cavalier 3-4 on penalties in the 2024 final.
Following the success in 2023, an elated owner Peter Goule told Sportsmax.TV highlighted the club's long-term vision. "We are pretty excited, we have put a lot of work into the academy and the platform is well and truly set to accomplish all that we want to. It will take a few years to build a complete institution, but we have people willing to come along and help us to move to another level, so we firmly believe we will be able to get there and put Jamaica’s football on the map the real way," he said then.
It has now become apparent that Coach Whitmore will not be part of that vision.
"The club wishes to express profound gratitude to Coach Whitmore and his technical team for their leadership over the past two seasons which brought glory and success to the club. Their invaluable contribution has seen Mount Pleasant Football Academy make an indelible mark in the Jamaica Premier League and in the parish of St Ann. We wish them all the best in their endeavours going forward."
Whitmore's departure marks a significant change for Mount Pleasant as they look to build on their recent success and continue their development both on and off the pitch.
Arnett Gardens forward Fabian Reid is excited for the chance to help the Reggae Boyz qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the back of a Jamaica Premier League season that saw him score 13 goals in 18 appearances, the 32-year-old has been included in Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against The Dominican Republic and Dominica.
The team will host Dom Rep on June 6 before facing Dominica away three days later.
“It feels good to be in camp with the boys for these big games. It’s where I’ve always wanted to be,” Reid said in an interview on Monday.
“I feel excited because it is a dream for me to play in World Cup Qualifying and being my country to the World Cup,” he added.
Reid made seven appearances for the Reggae Boyz from 2017-2018, scoring three goals. All those appearances came in friendlies.
After six years out of the mix, he made his return to the Reggae Boyz squad in a pair of friendlies against the Soca Warriors at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in March, providing the assist for Kaheim Dixon’s game-winning goal in the first encounter.
“To be back is nice. We did a good job in the away games against Trinidad. If we can take it a game at a time it would be good for us,” Reid said before reiterating the importance of the upcoming games.
“This is a big one so we have to get it together because we really want to qualify. I think this is the right time now because, like I said, I’ve always dreamed to bring Jamaica to the World Cup. Now we have the chance to deliver for the country,” he added.
In a remarkable display of resilience, Olympic and World Championship finalist Candice McLeod finished eighth in the 400m at the Racer’s Grand Prix on Saturday night. This marked her season debut, clocking in at 55.59, a significant distance from her personal best of 49.51 set at the same venue in 2021. The race was won by Stacey-Ann Williams in 50.86, with the USA’s Lynna Irby-Jackson finishing second in 51.05, and Charokee Young third in 51.86.
McLeod, a 27-year-old two-time World Championship 4x400m relay silver medalist, saw this performance as a personal triumph. Just a few months ago, she was unable to walk and had to undergo knee surgery on March 22, which significantly disrupted her training regimen.
“There wasn’t much to expect, to be honest. Sadly, I did knee surgery on March 22, so I really wasn’t expecting too much because it’s been just two months including rehab and everything, I really just started track work,” McLeod told Sportsmax.TV after the race. “It’s not something I want as an athlete but it is what it is and we have to work with it.”
The knee issue had been a persistent problem for McLeod, and the surgery became inevitable when she found herself unable to walk. Despite the setback, McLeod remains positive about her progress. “I am taking it step by step. I have a great support team. The challenge is more tolerable because I accept that I had to do surgery and I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t say I was sad about it but, to be honest, life goes on,” she shared.
When asked about her readiness for the upcoming national championships in four weeks, McLeod responded with cautious optimism. “The objective this season is to see where it takes me. I will just come out and do what I have to do each and every time and then we see where it goes.”
Reflecting on the difficulties she faced, McLeod emphasized the frustration of being unable to train and compete. “The difficulty was not being able to compete; the difficulty was not training because if you’re not training you won’t be able to compete. I was not training to the best of my ability but I am training every day, I just started running two weeks ago so to be out here running on the track is something good, to me.”
McLeod's journey back to the track is a testament to her determination and resilience. Her performance at the Racer’s Grand Prix may not have been her best, but considering the circumstances, it was nothing short of a triumph. As she continues her recovery and training, McLeod's focus remains on taking each day as it comes, with hopes of returning to peak form in the near future.
Lionel Messi heads off to Copa America with Argentina after starring once again in MLS, with Jordi Alba calling on Inter Miami to battle in the forward's absence.
Former Barcelona forward Messi made MLS history on Sunday, reaching 25 goal contributions in just 12 appearances this term to shatter the previous fastest record held by Carlos Vela (16 in 2019).
Messi was on target in the 3-3 draw with St. Louis City, while Alba – who assisted Miami's first two goals – salvaged a point at Chase Stadium with a late leveller in a thrilling contest.
Yet Gerardo Martino will not have Messi to call upon for the foreseeable future, as the legendary attacker prepares for Argentina's Copa title defence.
"Knowing the player that he is for us, it's hard, but the team will continue to compete as much as possible, and that will be noticed," Alba said of Messi's absence.
"It's an important absence for us, but we hope he does well in Copa America, we hope he has a great tournament and joins us again when it's time.
"If that's after the final, well – but in the meantime, the team will continue to fight and play."
The 2024 Copa runs from June 20 to July 14, with Inter also potentially losing players to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris at the end of next month.
Martino remains aware of the availability issues that could follow for the Eastern Conference leaders, though Messi leaves with Miami's well wishes.
"In today's game, Leo was practically responsible next to Jordi for the participation of the attack," the Miami head coach said.
"He was involved creating chances, he insisted throughout the game. He finished the game well – and now will do what has corresponded to him his whole life, which is play for Argentina."
Argentina face Ecuador and Guatemala in warm-up fixtures before opening their Copa defence against Canada on June 21.
Lionel Messi achieved an unprecedented MLS feat on Sunday but his heroics, and a star Jordi Alba performance, could not drag Inter Miami past St. Louis City in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
The Argentina and Barcelona great levelled proceedings after Chris Durkin's early opener, taking Messi to 25 goal contributions this term in just 12 MLS appearances – shattering the previous record by Carlos Vela.
Indiana Vassilev edged the visitors back ahead before Luis Suarez restored parity on the stroke of half-time at Miami's Chase Stadium.
Gerardo Martino's side fell behind again after Suarez turned into his own net but Alba, who assisted Miami's first two goals, saved the day with an 85th-minute equaliser to salvage a point.
The draw left Miami top of the Eastern Conference by two points but second-placed FC Cincinnati have two games in hand over Martino's star-studded line-up.
Meanwhile, St. Louis remain 11th in the Western Conference but just three points adrift of ninth-placed Portland Timbers having played two games fewer.
Data Debrief: Messi history in MLS
Having shattered records across historic spells with Barcelona and Argentina, Messi now has another MLS achievement on his sparkling resume.
Messi became the fastest player to 25 goal contributions in an MLS season, recording 12 goals and 13 assists to surpass the previous record established by Vela in 2019 (16 games, four more than Messi).
World Under-20 record holder Jaydon Hibbert produced a world leading 17.75m to win the triple jump at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.
Hibbert opened his competition with 16.45m in the first round before going out to 17.14m in the second round, giving the National Stadium crowd a sign of things to come.
The third round saw him produce a then-meet record of 17.30m before, in round four, he produced a stadium record and world leading 17.75m to secure the victory.
O’Brien Wasome produced 16.64m for second while Jordan Scott was third with 16.06m.
“I was satisfied with the third and fourth jump of the series,” Hibbert said after the competition.
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