Former Real Madrid Joins Messi at Inter Miami, Replaces Jordi Alba

Inter Miami reaffirmed its ambition as a new force in Major League Soccer. Shortly after winning the MLS Cup for the first time in Club History, David Beckham's team officially signed Sergio Reguilon. The former Real Madrid left-back fills the position of Jordi Alba, who decided to retire at the end of this season.

Reguilon's arrival signals Inter Miami doesn't want to merely maintain domestic dominance.

The Florida club moved swiftly in the transfer market to ensure the left flank remains at an elite level, especially with Lionel Messi as the centerpiece of their ambitious project.

"Inter Miami announced today that it has signed left-back Sergio Reguilon until December 2027, with an option to extend until December 2028," Inter Miami wrote on the club's official website on Monday, December 15, 2025.

Reguilon was recruited as a direct replacement for Jordi Alba, a figure who played a major role in Inter Miami's journey to MLS Cup glory, including assisting Lionel Messi's squad in defeating Vancouver in the final match.

Alba's departure left a significant void, both technically and in leadership, which Reguilon is now expected to fill.

Reguilon's name brings European credibility to the Inter Miami locker room. This left-back has played for numerous clubs including Logrones, Real Madrid, Sevilla, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United, and Brentford. That cross-league experience serves as crucial capital for facing MLS's unique intensity.

This transfer also creates an intriguing narrative—a long-awaited reunion on a new stage. Reguilon, a Real Madrid academy graduate, will now play alongside Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, his former El Clasico rival.

The two faced each other in several heated El Clasico matches during the 2018/19 season when Reguilon still wore the Real Madrid jersey.

Now, that rivalry transforms into collaboration on Inter Miami's left flank.

In terms of achievements, Reguilon arrives with an impressive trophy cabinet. He won the FIFA Club World Cup 2018 with Real Madrid and collected two Europa League trophies with Sevilla (2019/20) and Tottenham Hotspur (2024/25).

New challenges await with Inter Miami. Beyond maintaining the playing standard after Jordi Alba's retirement, Reguilon is expected to help Messi and teammates pursue the Concacaf Champions Cup—the only major trophy the club has never won.