Overview

• Alba, 36, announced on Instagram that he will end his career after Inter Miami’s playoff run, calling it the right moment to begin a new chapter.
• He had signed a deal in May reported to run through 2027 but chose to retire instead.
• The move makes him the second of Lionel Messi’s longtime teammates to step away after Sergio Busquets revealed similar plans.
• Reports say Inter Miami are in advanced talks to sign free agent left-back Sergio Reguilón, who may be ineligible for competitive games until 2026 under MLS roster-freeze rules unless granted an exception.
• Lionel Messi led tributes on social media, and managing owner Jorge Mas issued a club statement praising Alba’s contributions and professionalism.