According to Tom Bogert, MLS has suspended Luis Suarez for an additional three games following his altercation with Steven Lenhart. The Inter Miami star will miss matches against Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders, and DC United, creating further challenges for his team in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami stars Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles received suspensions of two and three games in the Leagues Cup, respectively. However, MLS chose not to extend these suspensions to league play, allowing Lionel Messi’s team to breathe a sigh of relief regarding their potential absences.

Following a stringent sanction by the Leagues Cup, Luis Suarez could miss up to nine games with Inter Miami. However, the veteran’s future with the team remains uncertain as his contract, expiring in December 2025, has not been renewed. In case he chooses to retire, he may not serve the full suspension since he wouldn’t participate in the next Leagues Cup edition, where the sanction applies.

How many games has Luis Suarez missed due to sanctions in his career?

Luis Suarez has consistently ranked among the most influential players in modern soccer. Over his impressive 16-year professional career, he has netted 565 goals, cementing his status as a Barcelona legend and a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s storied history. Yet, his legacy also carries the weight of numerous absences owing to sporting sanctions.

Remarkably, Suarez has missed 67 games due to suspensions, as reported by Transfermarkt. This statistic is noteworthy, surpassing the number of matches he has missed because of injuries, which have increasingly hindered him in recent years, totaling 62 games.

The league has handed down its final disciplinary decisions, with sanctions applying only to Leagues Cup competition. For Inter Miami, Suarez was suspended for six matches, Tomas Aviles received a three-match suspension, and Busquets was banned for two games.

On the Seattle Sounders side, only assistant coach Steven Lenhart was suspended, receiving a five-match ban. The suspensions also come with financial penalties and will take effect in the next edition of the Leagues Cup.

Major League Soccer has not yet commented on the incident, but further action against those involved in the controversial ending is expected. The harshest sanction fell on Luis Suarez, who drew widespread criticism after spitting at the Sounders’ head of security, placing him at the center of the controversy.

Suarez issues apology following Leagues Cup brawl

A few days after the 2025 Leagues Cup final, Luis Suárez took to social media to address the controversy and apologize for his actions during the post-match brawl. The Uruguayan striker congratulated the Seattle Sounders on their victory and acknowledged his misconduct.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders for the victory in the Leagues Cup. But, above all, I want to apologize for my behavior at the end of the game,” Suarez wrote. “It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where as soon as the game ended, things happened that shouldn’t have happened. But that doesn’t justify the reaction I had. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it”.

“It is not the image I want to give neither in front of my family, who suffers from my mistakes, nor in front of my club, which also does not deserve to be affected by something like that. I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize it, and apologize to all those who felt bad for what I did. We know that there is still a long season ahead, and we will work together to achieve the successes that this club and all its fans deserve,” he concluded.

After days of silence, the Uruguayan striker finally addressed the matter with a lengthy post on social media Thursday. Taking to Instagram, Suarez apologized for his actions and congratulated the Sounders for their win.

“First of all, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders for the victory in the Leagues Cup. But, above all, I want to apologize for my behavior at the end of the game,” Suarez started. “It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where as soon as the game ended, things happened that shouldn’t have happened. But that doesn’t justify the reaction I had. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it.

“It is not the image I want to give neither in front of my family, who suffers from my mistakes, nor in front of my club, which also does not deserve to be affected by something like that. I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize it, and apologize to all those who felt bad for what I did. We know that there is still a long season ahead, and we will work together to achieve the successes that this club and all its fans deserve.”

Will MLS sanction Luis Suarez over Leagues Cup incident?

Of course, the question now is whether the MLS will take action and punish Suarez for his controversial behavior. Even though the incident occurred in the Leagues Cup and not in MLS play, the league can still punish the striker.

CBS Sports notes that the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement covers sanctions for “misconduct that occurs in any stadium or playing facility and which occurs at, during, or in connection with any game or tournament in which the player competes.”

Not only did Suarez play for Inter Miami against another MLS team, but the match also took place at Lumen Field, home to the Sounders. However, the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee has to review the incident first.

How many games could Suarez miss?

That committee must include five members, with four of those appointed by the commissioner and two of them being former MLS players. If Suarez gets suspended for more than two games, the MLS Players Association will be allowed to appeal. Inter Miami have nine games left in the 2025 MLS regular season, with the Herons returning to action September 13 against Charlotte.

“Inter Miami condemns the altercations that took place following the conclusion of the Leagues Cup Final. These actions do not reflect the values of our sport, and we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.

“We are working closely with Leagues Cup and MLS officials to ensure the situation is addressed appropriately. We thank our fans and community for their continued support.”

What happened after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Sounders at 2025 Leagues Cup final?

The Herons suffered a blowout loss in their trip to Seattle, with the Sounders joining the list of Leagues Cup champions thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over the 2023 winners of the competition.

But as soon as the final whistle blew, chaos ensued. Luis Suarez was spotted spitting on a Sounders’ coaching staff member, with players and members of both teams later being involved in a huge brawl.

Neither Major League Soccer nor Leagues Cup authorities have hinted at a potential punishment yet but a decision is expected to be announced soon. On Thursday, Luis Suarez also broke his silence in regard to his controversial behavior.

Luis Suarez apologizes for spitting incident

“First of all, I want to congratulate Seattle Sounders for the victory in the Leagues Cup. But, above all, I want to apologize for my behavior at the end of the game,” Suarez wrote on his Instagram account. “It was a moment of great tension and frustration, where as soon as the game ended, things happened that shouldn’t have happened. But that doesn’t justify the reaction I had. I was wrong and I sincerely regret it.

“It is not the image I want to give neither in front of my family, who suffers from my mistakes, nor in front of my club, which also does not deserve to be affected by something like that. I feel bad about what happened, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize it, and apologize to all those who felt bad for what I did. We know that there is still a long season ahead, and we will work together to achieve the successes that this club and all its fans deserve.”

Suarez faced harsh backlash on social media for his aggressive behavior and was also mocked for his infamous 2014 World Cup incident, when he bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during a match between Uruguay and Italy.

Gene Ramirez, a member of the Seattle Sounders coaching staff and the victim of the spit, took a moment to joke about the incident. “I was waiting for the bite,” Ramirez said in Spanish while speaking to reporters after the match.

Suarez wasn’t the only player from Inter Miami involved in the post-match brawl, though. Sergio Busquets was caught on video throwing a punch at Mexican forward Obed Vargas. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi stayed clear of the conflict and even helped calm the heated situation at Lumen Field.

Suarez’s history of on-field incidents

This wasn’t the first time Luis Suarez found himself embroiled in controversy over his on-field behavior. In fact, he has bitten opponents on three separate occasions.

The first occurred in 2010 while playing for Ajax against PSV, when he bit Otman Bakkal. His second incident came in 2013 with Liverpool against Chelsea, targeting defender Branislav Ivanovic. The most infamous instance, however, took place during the 2014 World Cup.

In the group stage match between Uruguay and Italy, with 12 minutes remaining and the score tied 0-0, Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini inside the Italian penalty area. He was not sent off, as the referee did not see the incident and VAR had not yet been implemented.

However, following the World Cup, FIFA handed Suarez a harsh punishment: a nine-match ban and a four-month suspension from all soccer activities. This disciplinary action delayed his debut for Barcelona after leaving Liverpool during that transfer window.

In an official statement, Inter Miami announced that the 20-year-old will join Parma Calcio 1913 on loan through June 2026. The Serie A side also secured an option to purchase Cremaschi outright, leaving his long-term future tied to his performance in Italy.

Cremaschi’s move marks the second stop of his professional career. A product of the Inter Miami Academy, he became the fifth homegrown player to sign with the senior team. Since making his first-team debut in February 2023, he registered 107 appearances across all competitions, contributing eight goals and nine assists. He played a key role in Miami’s 2023 Leagues Cup triumph and their 2024 Supporters’ Shield campaign.

But with the arrival of high-profile signings, Cremaschi gradually slipped from the starting lineup, becoming more of a rotational option. Frustrated with his lack of minutes, the young midfielder now heads to Parma in search of the playing time and responsibility he once enjoyed in Miami.

Cremaschi’s farewell message

Cremaschi, who rose through Inter Miami’s academy and spent six years with the club, took to Instagram to share an emotional farewell message, thanking fans, teammates, and staff for their support throughout his journey.

“After six years at Inter Miami, the time has come to take a new direction in my professional career. It’s not an easy decision. This club saw me grow from the Academy to the first team, shaped me as both a player and a person, and gave me the opportunity to live experiences that I will always carry with me. I am grateful to the fans for their support, to my coaches, teammates, the staff, and everyone who made this journey possible—especially the Mas and Beckham families,” Cremaschi wrote on his Instagram account.

“I leave knowing that I gave everything every day in this jersey, and with the peace of mind of having honored the role I was given. Now it’s time to face new challenges, step out of my comfort zone, and continue growing both personally and professionally. Inter Miami will always be part of my story and part of who I am. Thank you for these unforgettable years,” the 20-year-old concluded.

Inter Miami announced that 20-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi has been loaned to Serie A side Parma Calcio 1913 through June 2026. The deal also includes an option for Parma to purchase the player.

“Inter Miami CF announced today it has loaned Homegrown Player Benjamin Cremaschi to Italian Serie A side Parma Calcio 1913 through June 2026. Parma will also hold an option to purchase the midfielder,” the club’s official statement read.

Cremaschi, who joined Inter’s academy in 2021, quickly rose through the U-17 and reserve teams before making his first-team debut in February 2023. He was a key piece alongside Messi in Inter Miami’s run to the 2023 Leagues Cup title and later contributed to the club’s 2024 Supporters’ Shield campaign.

In total, the midfielder made 107 appearances across all competitions with eight goals and nine assists, leaving as a two-time trophy winner in Miami’s short history.

Cremaschi’s frustrations over playing time

In August, Cremaschi publicly expressed his disappointment with the limited minutes he was receiving under head coach Javier Mascherano. He also pointed to being shuffled across different positions without time to prepare, which he felt was negatively impacting his performances.

“It frustrates me, I want to play, that’s the most important thing for me. I want to play at a very high level, and that comes with minutes. I haven’t played much in these last games. I don’t think it’s because of my level because I feel good. I imagine it’s for other reasons, or maybe because of my level,” Cremaschi noted.

“At the moment you don’t know what position you’re going to play. I go into matches having no idea where I’ll be. This year we had several injuries and suspensions, so I covered different positions, but preparing for the role I’ll play is impossible. It’s mentally tough sometimes,” he added.

Mascherano fires back at Cremaschi’s comments

After Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over LA Galaxy on August 16, — a match where Lionel Messi shined with a brace — Javier Mascherano was asked directly about the 20-year-old’s comments.

“They were unfortunate because, in one way or another, when you hear those types of declarations it makes us look like we’re improvising,” Mascherano explained. “You need to have the tools to speak out. I understand what Benja wanted to say, that he has been used in different roles. But when he starts a match, he knows perfectly well where he has to play because we prepare games in detail. It’s not like I wake up in the morning and flip a coin”.

According to the Seattle Sounders via Instagram, the 2025 Leagues Cup final broke the competition’s attendance record, with 69,314 fans filling the stadium. High demand to see Lionel Messi led to an adjustment, opening another row at Lumen Field despite its slightly lower listed capacity. This resulted in a resounding success. Additionally, the Sounders lifted the competition trophy for the first time, marking a historic milestone.

The previous attendance record for the competition was set on July 27, 2024, during a match between Chivas de Guadalajara and the San Jose Earthquakes, when Levi’s Stadium hosted 50,675 fans. However, Lionel Messi’s appearance shattered this record by drawing an additional 18,164 spectators, setting a new milestone that underscores the immense impact of his presence on the sport.

Not the first time: Messi had previously helped to set assist records against other MLS teams

Lionel Messi continues to be a monumental draw for Major League Soccer, as evidenced by the record-breaking attendance at the 2025 Leagues Cup final. This event isn’t Messi’s first time boosting MLS crowds to new heights. Just earlier this year, in April 2025, the Argentine superstar’s presence sparked remarkable turnouts for three franchises.

On April 13th, Soldier Field in Chicago hosted an impressive 62,358 fans during the Chicago Fire’s match. The momentum continued on April 19th at Huntington Bank Stadium, where 60,614 spectators gathered to witness the Columbus Crew in action. Messi’s influence on and off the field has undeniably elevated Major League Soccer’s profile, drawing fans in unprecedented numbers.

Although both attendance records were set in the MLS, Lionel Messi’s effect also reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup. On April 24 in 2025, a record-breaking crowd gathered for the game between Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps, smashing a previous attendance record set in 1993. The electrifying game drew 53,837 fans, setting a new milestone in the franchise.

In a message shared on his social media, Messi made it clear that he saw the setback not as a failure but as a lesson that could make the team stronger heading into next season.

“We competed all the way to the final and this time it didn’t happen… We take the positives and keep learning to achieve our goals this season,” Messi wrote in his Instagram post.

Lionel Messi, without question, left the pitch wishing he could have lifted the trophy. Despite a final filled with heavy contact and frustration, he showed how to lose with dignity — sending a powerful message to the fans and leaving behind a viral image of himself standing with his runner-up medal as the Seattle Sounders celebrated with the cup.

Keys to the defeat

Inter Miami, with its roster of veteran stars, came face to face with the harsh reality of modern soccer. The Sounders weren’t just better — they were smarter. Seattle’s tactical plan targeted the flanks, repeatedly exposing Jordi Alba and the Miami back line. Pedro de la Vega proved to be a nightmare for the defense, and the strategy worked to perfection. The Sounders also executed a relentless high press that Miami simply couldn’t escape.

A defeat with heads held high

While Inter Miami fell short of lifting the trophy, Messi’s postgame message reflected his championship mentality. Instead of dwelling on the frustration, the captain emphasized growth, resilience, and gratitude — traits that have long defined his career. His words showed that Miami has a true leader, one capable of guiding the locker room through setbacks as well as triumphs.

The viral photo of Messi with his silver medal spoke volumes about his character. His steady gaze fixed on the Sounders lifting the trophy conveyed a hunger that hasn’t faded. For Miami’s players and fans alike, it was a reminder that this defeat can serve as fuel. Next season, they’ll need to channel that desire into a renewed push to achieve their ultimate goal.

Despite the 2025 Leagues Cup defeat, Lionel Messi has secured 46 career titles throughout his career so far. Nonetheless, the vast mayority of them were during his FC Barcelona stint. With these achievements, the Argentine star has cemented his status as one of the most pivotal figure in the soccer history.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo has certainly become a dominant figure in soccer history, he has clinched less trophies than the Argentine star. The Portuguese icon boasts 36 career titles, becoming a dominant force in the current soccer era. Nonetheless, he remains without an official competition title with Al Nassr. His triumph in the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup does not bolster his official record.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi chase a similar goal with their teams this season

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, despite competing in different leagues, share a common objective with their respective teams. Though the Argentine superstar has already clinched two titles with Inter Miami, his pursuit of an MLS Cup victory remains unfinished. Similar to the Portuguese icon, who also aims to secure his first-ever Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr.

The Herons have bolstered their lineup by bringing in Rodrigo De Paul and Mateo Silvetti, adding depth to their squad. Yet, their true challenge remains finding the consistency needed to sustain their performance throughout the entire season—an achievement that is often elusive.

In contrast, Al Nassr have adopted a strategic approach by signing three world-class talents: Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Iñigo Martinez. With Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge, the team’s objective is unmistakable: to clinch their first league title since the legendary Portuguese star joined their ranks.

The game ended in chaos at Lumen Field as a huge brawl broke out after the final whistle. Punches were thrown between both teams and it took a few minutes for everyone to calm down.

It didn’t take long for fans to react on social media, with Suarez becoming the target of heavy criticism for his poor attitude. It was a forgettable day for Inter Miami, who left a lot to be desired not only during the game, but also after it.

Luis Suarez once again involved in a controversial action

Suarez is now facing a potential sanction from Major League Soccer for his actions, though his Inter Miami teammates could also be punished for the altercation that took place with the Sounders.

This is not the first time the Uruguayan striker is at the center of controversial behavior with a member of an opposing team. In 2014, Suarez was handed a four-month ban after infamously biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup played in Brazil.

Inter Miami dominated by Seattle in 2025 Leagues Cup final

The Herons were completely outplayed by the Sounders, who became the third team in tournament history to lift the trophy. Inter Miami won the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup in 2023, shortly after Lionel Messi joined the club. The Columbus Crew emerged victorious in 2024, with the Sounders joining the list of champions this year.

With this loss, Inter Miami now have to switch their focus to the MLS regular season. The Herons will return to action on Saturday, September 13, when they visit Charlotte at Bank of America Stadium.