Lionel Messi's Inter Miami announce year-end roster decisions: Jordi Alba returns while six contract options get declined

Inter Miami announced their year-end roster decisions Monday morning. The Herons exercised seven contract options - including star fullback Jordi Alba and right-sided defender Marcelo Weigandt - while declining six contracts.

They are, however, in negotiations to bring two players back in Matías Rojas and Oscar Ustari this offseason.

Players With Guaranteed Contracts (already under contract) for 2025: Noah Allen, Tomas Aviles, Israel Boatwright, Sergio Busquets, Drake Callender, Leonardo Campana, Benjamin Cremaschi, Facundo Farías, Diego Gómez, Julian Gressel, Tyler Hall, David Martínez, Lionel Messi, Santiago Morales, Federico Redondo, David Ruiz, Luis Suárez, Robert Taylor

Contract Options Exercised: Leo Afonso, Jordi Alba, Yannick Bright, CJ dos Santos, Ian Fray, Ryan Sailor, Marcelo Weigandt

Contract Options Declined: Cole Jensen, Sergii Kryvtsov, Franco Negri, Matías Rojas, Lawson Sunderland, Felipe Valencia

Out of Contract: Oscar Ustari

Loan Expired: Nicolás Freire

The Herons announced that despite declining the contract of Rojas, they are in negotiations over a renewal with the Paraguay international. In addition, they are pursuing contract talks with Ustari, who was out of contract at the end of the season. Striker Luis Suarez was handed a new contract for 2025 in November.

The roster moves arrive roughly one month after their Round 1 exit from the 2024 MLS postseason, where they were shockingly eliminated by Atlanta United.

During the regular season, Miami won the Supporters' Shield title, and set the MLS points record.

The Herons are in offseason mode, preparing for the 2025 campaign. Notable upcoming dates for the club include the 2024-25 expansion draft, MLS SuperDraft and Free Agency ahead of preseason.