Overview

• In new remarks Friday, Alba said he could play another year or two but decided to step away for personal reasons, calling it the most honest and fairest decision made on his own.
• Inter Miami will honor Alba with a postmatch tribute after Saturday’s game against Atlanta United as he continues through the regular season and the playoffs.
• The Barcelona-era core is winding down, with Sergio Busquets also set to retire when the season ends and Luis Suárez’s future beyond 2026 described as uncertain, while Messi’s contract talks continue.
• Lionel Messi posted that he will miss Alba, noting their long-standing on-field understanding and connection.
• Alba has logged 95 appearances for Inter Miami with 14 goals and 38 assists; earlier reports said he signed a contract extension about five months ago that was expected to run through 2027.