Suarez was handed a six-game suspension after spitting on a Seattle Sounders staff member following the 2025 Leagues Cup final, in which Inter Miami fell 3-0. While several players were involved in a brawl and walked away without punishment, Suarez crossed a red line.

Although the Herons hoped an appeal would reduce the suspension, it was to no avail. As a result, Suarez will have to serve his entire ban in the Leagues Cup, and the Herons will have to make do with what they have.

Suarez is suspended for entire 2026 Leagues Cup

Because the veteran striker was handed a six-game ban and Inter Miami could play a maximum of six games in the 2026 Leagues Cup, Suarez would miss every outing should the Herons make it all the way to the final.

Guillermo Hoyos, Lionel Messi, and Inter Miami were well aware of Suarez’s suspension entering the tournament. Whether they agree with the organizers’ ban or not, the Herons have accepted their situation. If they want to make noise in the cross MLS-Liga MX competition, they will have to figure out a way to fill Suarez’s void.

However, there is also a scenario in which Suarez’s suspension carries on to the 2027 Leagues Cup—provided the Herons qualify to next year’s tournament.

What would happen if Inter Miami fall before the final

If the Herons are eliminated before the final, Suarez could have to serve the remaining games of his suspension during next year’s tournament. Moreover, if Inter Miami are knocked out in the round-robin stage, Suarez will miss the entire first round of the 2027 tournament as well.

Should the Herons fail to advance to the knockout stage next year, the Uruguayan could miss two entire Leagues Cups in a row. That may be looking too far ahead, though, as Suarez is under contract through 2026, but his future beyond that remains uncertain.

2026 Leagues Cup format for Inter Miami

Inter Miami will play three Liga MX teams—Atletico San Luis, Monterrey, and Leon—in the first round. If they rank among the top four MLS teams, the Herons will advance to the knockout stage. The elimination round begins with the quarterfinals and is played as single-leg knockout games, meaning Inter Miami could play up to six games.

Suarez received the lengthy suspension after the 2025 Leagues Cup Final. Following the final whistle and Seattle’s 3-0 rout of Inter Miami, tempers flared between the two sides. Suarez, however, crossed the line when he spat at a Sounders staff member.

Tournament organizers handed him a six-game suspension, which he will begin serving in the 2026 edition. As a result, he won’t play against Atletico San Luis in Matchday 1 of the round robin. As a matter of fact, Suarez won’t play any game in this tournament. On the other hand, Lionel Messi will indeed play for Inter Miami against Atletico San Luis, in a game he will have big responsibilities.

Suarez will be suspended for entire 2026 Leagues Cup

Because Suarez was handed a six-game ban and Inter Miami would play a maximum of six matches by reaching the final, the veteran striker is set to miss the entire 2026 Leagues Cup. If Inter Miami are eliminated before the final, then Suarez will have to serve the remaining games of his suspension in the 2027 Leagues Cup.

Without him, the Herons will need several key players to step up and fill the void. Chief among them is Messi, who will need to be the driving force behind Inter Miami—as he usually is—throughout the tournament.

Reports suggest Inter Miami may appeal the decision and hope to have part of the suspension reduced, but Suarez’s actions were egregious, and it doesn’t appear the Leagues Cup’s governing body will reverse its decision.

More troubles for Inter Miami

Not only will the Herons be without Suarez for—as things stand—the entire Leagues Cup, but they may also have trouble replacing him. German Berterame would have been the top option to fill the No. 9 role, but he has yet to be cleared following the scary injury he suffered during an MLS match against CF Montréal.

The Argentine-Mexican had to leave the field in an ambulance and has yet to return to the lineup. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos admitted Berterame is “days away” from returning to action, but whether he will be available for the upcoming Leagues Cup matches remains to be seen.

Without Suarez and Berterame, Hoyos is turning to Daniel Pinter as Inter Miami’s striker. That, in turn, means Hoyos will pass over options like Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti, both fellow Argentines. With a roster depleted by injuries and suspension, Hoyos and Inter Miami must make do with what they have.

Although Uruguay have four stars on their crest, they will be in pursuit of their third title during the 2026 World Cup. However, they will do so without the contributions from the leading goal scorer in national team history, Suarez, who was left out of the roster by Argentine head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

According to Bielsa, it was Suarez who openly admitted he’d rather leave his roster spot available for younger players to fill. Uruguay have been transitioning from their golden generation to a younger one for several years now, and although it’s been a journey with plenty of ups and downs, La Celeste believe they can leave their mark on the 2026 World Cup.

Although “El Pistolero” later walked back that stance and told Bielsa he would be happy to help the national team at the tournament, the Argentine bench boss stood firm in his decision. Instead, Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas, and Darwin Nuñez will be Uruguay’s options at center forward.

Suarez misses chance to play in fifth World Cup

As a result, Suarez, who made headlines around the globe at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, while also participating in the 2018 and 2022 editions, has been left out of Uruguay’s squad for 2026. The decision is a polarizing one. Only time will tell if Bielsa comes to regret being without the striker who scored 69 goals for Los Charruas.

As Uruguay take on Group H, competing against the likes of Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde, Suarez will be watching from home. Given that he plays for Inter Miami and currently lives in South Florida, the striker will be quite close to the national team, which will play two group-stage games at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens. So close, yet so far.

Suarez’s history in World Cups

Making his debut on soccer’s biggest stage on June 11, 2010, Suarez went on to play in 16 World Cup games across four different tournaments. He scored seven goals: three in 2010 in South Africa, two in Brazil in 2014, and the remaining two in Russia in 2018. Suarez was held scoreless in Qatar, as Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage.

Suarez was shown a red card once, in 2010, after saving a goal with his hands in the quarterfinal against Ghana. The resulting penalty shot was launched into the Johannesburg sky, and La Celeste advanced through a shootout. In 2014, Suárez wasn’t sent off for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, but he was handed a nine-game suspension with Uruguay and a four-month ban from soccer-related activities.

Needless to say, through screamers, beautiful goals, and controversial moments, Suarez has changed World Cup history forever and written unforgettable chapters in the tournament’s history.

According to journalist Rodri Vazquez from Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 on X, De Arrascaeta finished the team’s latest training session with muscle discomfort. While the final test results are still pending, there are concerns that a muscle tear could rule him out of the upcoming World Cup.

Although the current Flamengo player is not strictly a forward, his offensive role could open the door for Suarez to be called up as a replacement. While awaiting confirmation of the injury, Marcelo Bielsa will be the one responsible for making the final decision.

Bielsa explains Suarez’s absence from the World Cup squad

The omission of Luis Suarez from Uruguay squad for the upcoming World Cup has sparked debate across all circles. Marcelo Bielsa, the team’s manager, recently explained the reasons behind the decision during a press conference.

“At the time when Luis Suarez informed us, during the farewell match that was held, that he preferred to step aside from the team, he publicly stated—among other reasons—that he wanted to support the development of younger players who were alternatives in his position. Since then, Darwin Nuñez, Federico Viñas, and Rodrigo Aguirre have been the players who most frequently took on the center-forward role,” Bielsa said.

The manager also revealed that the legendary striker told him he “was willing to contribute by returning to the national team, which I understood as a valuable and sincere gesture.”

De Arrascaeta suffered another injury before being called up by Uruguay

During Flamengo’s 1-1 draw against Estudiantes de La Plata in the Copa Libertadores group stage, Giorgian de Arrascaeta suffered a severe right clavicle fracture just 21 minutes into the match. The injury occurred after a challenge from midfielder Lucas Piovi, causing the Uruguayan playmaker to fall awkwardly on his shoulder and forcing an immediate substitution.

After being rushed to a local hospital for imaging tests, de Arrascaeta returned to Rio de Janeiro to undergo immediate surgery, sparking major concern for both Flamengo’s campaign and his availability for Uruguay ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas and Darwin Nuñez are the only three players whose qualities fit the attacking front. Despite this situation, the manager overloaded the Uruguayan midfield.

After the official announcement, Suarez ended a streak of four consecutive World Cup call-ups: his debut was in South Africa 2010, followed by Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, and most recently Qatar 2022.

Bielsa’s picks to represent Uruguay

26 players were chosen by Marcelo Bielsa to compete in the World Cup in USA, Mexico, and Canada: 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 12 midfielders, and 3 forwards—the representatives of La Celeste.

Goalkeepers: Sergio Rochet, Fernando Muslera, Santiago Mele

Defenders: Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araujo, Jose Maria Gimenez, Santiago Bueno, Sebastian Caceres, Mathias Olivera, Joaquin Piquerez, Matias Viña.

Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo Bentancur, Federico Valverde, Agustin Canobbio, Juan Manuel Sanabria, Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Nicolas De la Cruz, Rodrigo Zalazar, Facundo Pellistri, Maximiliano Araujo, Brian Rodriguez

Forwards: Rodrigo Aguirre, Federico Viñas, Darwin Nuñez

What awaits Uruguay at the World Cup?

Uruguay are locked into Group H for the upcoming World Cup, and they have a pretty exciting, diverse opening slate lined up. La Celeste will kick off their tournament in Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, June 15 against Saudi Arabia, and they’ll stay right there in Florida for their second match against Cape Verde on Sunday, June 21.

For the group finale, they’ll head over to Mexico to face Spain at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Friday, June 26, in what promises to be an absolute banger to decide who might take the top spot.

“The national team staff knows that Luis Suarez will never say no to Uruguay. They are already well aware of the situation, but I accept the moment in which I stepped aside,” Suarez told reporters. “I did it for a reason at the time, but today, if the national team needs me, I will always be there.”

With that revelation, the focus shifts to Uruguay head coach Marcelo Bielsa: Will he call upon the veteran for the 2026 campaign? Based on form alone, Suarez has made a compelling case; the forward has tallied two goals and an assist in seven appearances this season, despite primarily featuring as a substitute.

Meanwhile, Messi has yet to officially confirm his participation in the upcoming tournament. The Argentine legend was recently seen visiting AD Cornella for the first time since acquiring a majority stake in the Spanish side, which currently competes in the lower divisions.

Is Messi in doubt for the World Cup?

While he hasn’t formally declared his intentions for 2026, Messi is still widely expected to lead Argentina’s title defense. His consistent involvement in South American Qualifiers and his presence in recent international friendlies suggest that La Albiceleste’s captain is physically and competitively prepared for another run.

However, his age and the fact that he secured the elusive trophy in 2022 have fueled ongoing speculation regarding his motivation for the North American tournament. For now, fans must wait for a formal announcement from Messi himself or the release of Lionel Scaloni’s official roster.

When will Suarez and Messi’s statuses be confirmed?

The clock is ticking for national teams to finalize their plans. By May 11, federations must submit a preliminary list of at least 55 players to FIFA. While these large pools offer a glimpse into a coach’s thinking, they are not always made public.

Coaching staffs then have until the end of May to trim those lists down to a definitive 26-player roster. FIFA will officially publish the final squads on June 2, just days before the world’s elite descend on North America for the June and July spectacle.

“Yes, he’s fine. He’s training normally, and yes, he’s available to play. Today, due to various circumstances, we felt he shouldn’t go in,” Mascherano said during his postgame press conference when Bolavip asked him about Suarez’s status.

“But it’s not like he has any discomfort or anything like that. He’s already 100% recovered, and will surely get minutes in the upcoming games.”

Luis Suarez’s slow start to 2026 with Inter Miami

Suarez, 39, has barely seen the field in 2026. His lone appearance for Miami this year came in the MLS season opener, coming off the bench to replace Mateo Silvetti with only eight minutes remaining during the 3-0 loss to LAFC.

The former Barcelona star, who moved to South Florida in 2024 to reunite with Messi, missed the Herons’ trip to Orlando and the subsequent 4-2 victory over Orlando City but was on the bench during the 2-1 win over DC United prior to the Nashville trip.

Suarez is on a one-year contract with Inter Miami, where his role had already decreased in the final stretch of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. After playing just 14 minutes in the quarterfinals and only eight in the semis, Suarez watched the final on the bench.

Suarez could return to action with rotation in Miami

2026 sees Suarez sitting behind German Berterame, who joined the Herons as a Designated Player (DP) this offseason in a stellar signing from Liga MX side Monterrey CF.

Inter Miami return to action on Saturday, when they hit the road again to visit Charlotte FC in MLS play. With the team having little time to rest before it returns to Miami for the second leg against Nashville, perhaps Mascherano starts to rotate players and gives Suarez playing time.

The Uruguayan international begins the match on the bench. He returns to the matchday squad today after being sidelined during the win against Orlando due to a lower-leg injury.

In his absence from the starting lineup, head coach Javier Mascherano has tapped marquee offseason signing German Berterame to lead the attack alongside Lionel Messi.

With Suarez’s return to active duty, Spanish defender Sergio Reguilon remains the only major injury concern for the Herons. Reguilón has been limited to just one appearance this season—a 3–0 preseason loss to Alianza Lima—after suffering a Grade II right knee sprain.

Inter Miami confirmed lineup

With the squad nearly at full strength aside from Reguilon, Mascherano is fielding a top-tier lineup to secure three points and keep Inter Miami in the win column. In a tactical shift from the previous match, Mateo Silvetti enters the starting XI in place of Tadeo Allende.

This is Miami’s starting IX to face DC United: Dayne St. Clair; Noah Allen, Micael Silva, Maximiliano Falcon, Facundo Mura; Yannick Bright, Rodrigo De Paul, Mateo Silvetti, Telasco Segovia; Lionel Messi, German Berterame.

According to Jose Armando Rodriguez of Deporte Total, Suarez is sidelined due to discomfort he suffered during Friday’s training. The 39-year-old striker joins the injury list alongside Sergio Reguilon, who is still recovering from a knee issue.

In Suarez’s absence, German Berterame will play up front. The Mexico international joined Inter Miami from Liga MX side Monterrey in this year’s transfer window. Orlando City also confirmed multiple absences.

The home team listed Wilder Cartagena (thigh), Joran Gerbet (knee), and Robin Jansson (foot) as out, while Eduard Atuesta, Adrian Marin, and Luis Otavio remain doubtful due to physical concerns.

Suarez’s declining form

Last year, Suarez scored only 10 goals and provided 10 assists, roughly half the total he registered during 2024. His dip in form kept him out of the MLS Cup final against Vancouver Whitecaps and limited him to just 22 combined minutes against New York City FC (8 minutes) and FC Cincinnati (14 minutes).

Golden opportunity for Berterame

Suarez’s reduced impact forced Inter Miami to spend a significant sum on Berterame. Miami reportedly forked out around $15 million for the Argentine-born, naturalized Mexican forward.

Berterame scored 11 goals and added two assists last season with Monterrey. After going scoreless in Inter Miami’s season opener against LAFC, he now takes on the responsibility of being the club’s main goal threat.

Berterame knows a lot is at stake this first semester at Inter Miami. Not only does he carry the expectations of the defending MLS champions, but he also dreams of earning a call-up to represent Mexico at this year’s World Cup.

The 2026 MLS season did not begin in the best way for Inter Miami. During their visit to Los Angeles, Messi’s team was stunned 3-0 by Son Heung-min and company in a dominant home performance.

After the game, Lionel Messi was spotted heading toward the locker room in clear frustration. He appeared so furious that teammate Luis Suarez had to intervene, guiding him toward the tunnel to avoid any further issues.

Lionel Messi storms off after Inter Miami’s loss to LAFC

Inter Miami began the 2026 MLS campaign on the wrong foot. The defending champions traveled to California for a challenging matchup against LAFC, a side that ultimately secured a convincing 3-0 victory at home.

Following the final whistle, Messi was caught on camera exchanging jerseys with Dennis Bouanga, one of the game’s scorers. However, the atmosphere shifted once the 2022 FIFA World Cup champion left the field.

ESPN Argentina followed Messi all the way to the locker room. Before entering, he appeared furious at someone—though it was unclear at whom. Suarez stepped in to escort him to the locker room, preventing the tension from escalating further.

Suarez, the club’s second-highest scorer, was a vital component during Inter Miami’s regular season. However, during the postseason, he lost ground to fellow Argentines Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti.

Despite this, having recently renewed his contract through the end of the 2026 MLS season, Mascherano noted at the start of preseason that every player begins on equal footing and that the Pistolero could return to a more prominent role in 2026.

“All I can say is that when we start the season, everyone starts from zero,” Mascherano said during a recent press conference. “From there, we will be guided by the level of each individual player and we will field the most competitive team possible. Luis is a part of this squad; he is not only an important player for the team, but for the club, and he will continue to be so”.

The former Barcelona striker saw significant action last season, recording 50 appearances across all competitions with 17 goals and 17 assists. However, during the decisive stretch of the postseason, the Uruguayan struggled to find his best form, leading to him losing his starting spot to Allende, who was in peak condition.

Suarez’s postseason performance

Suarez started the first two matches of the playoff opening round against Nashville, where he recorded an assist, but was subsequently sanctioned for the decisive third game by the MLS Disciplinary Committee following an unsporting incident involving Andy Najar.

In that crucial match where the Uruguayan was absent, Allende shined with a brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-0 victory, securing the series and a spot in the quarterfinals. For the following clash against Cincinnati, Mascherano opted to stick with the in-form Allende despite Suarez being available again. The Uruguayan was relegated to the bench and saw just 14 minutes of action after coming on as a substitute.

In the semifinals against New York City FC, Inter Miami dismantled their opponents 5-1. Suarez’s involvement was further limited, as Mascherano only sent him onto the pitch with eight minutes remaining. In that match, Allende continued to justify his selection as the preferred option by netting a hat-trick.

With Allende in unstoppable form, Mascherano repeated the formula for the MLS Cup Final against Vancouver Whitecaps, pairing the Argentine with Lionel Messi in attack. The decision paid dividends as the former Celta Vigo forward scored the final goal in a 3-1 victory, while Suarez watched the entire match from the bench.

With the dawn of a new season, Suarez will have the opportunity to prove to Mascherano that he can still be the starting striker the team require—even in the face of Allende’s scorching form and the potential arrival of stellar striker German Berterame.