“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.

“Luis Suarez is finalizing a contract to return to Inter Miami for one final season, according to a club source,” reported Kaufman. Suarez was instrumental in helping Inter Miami secure the MLS title last season, alongside stars like Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.

This announcement reinforces Inter Miami’s ambitions for the upcoming season. The primary challenge they face is the Concacaf Champions League, one of the few trophies missing from their collection, having already clinched the MLS Cup, Leagues Cup, and the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

Suarez joined the team last season specifically to achieve the MLS Cup title, and he delivered alongside his fellow players. As confirmation of his role in the squad for the 2026 season draws near, it shows the team’s trust in his abilities.

Suarez’s stats with Inter Miami

The Uruguayan star was pivotal in the championship-winning roster last season, showcasing impressive statistics that defy his age and underscoring his impact on the field.

Suarez recorded 17 goals and 17 assists in 48 matches, leaving an indelible mark on a team guided by Javier Mascherano on the bench and David Beckham in the front office. Beckham was instrumental in assembling the roster that led Miami to its historic first title in both the regular season and playoffs.

Alongside Messi, Suarez will continue to be a leading figure on a team poised to maintain its success. Reports suggest they have already reached an agreement with another Spanish player, Sergio Reguilon, to succeed Jordi Alba next season, indicating their forward-looking strategy.

Following this significant achievement, Luis Suarez is reportedly considering his future with the team, as he desires a reunion with Nacional in Uruguay. This news comes from German Garcia Grova of TyC Sports, who shared the information on his X account.

“Suarez is seriously considering a return to Nacional. The striker will decide his future in the coming days. At this time, it’s most likely he’ll leave Inter Miami,“ Garcia Grova stated, offering insights into the Uruguayan striker’s plans.

With Suarez’s potential departure, Inter Miami may be exploring options to strengthen their roster around Messi, who is anticipated to remain with the team through 2026. As the reigning US champions prepare for upcoming challenges, they will need standout performers to succeed in crucial tournaments.

Suarez’s stats with Inter Miami so far

The Uruguayan star has been a crucial component of Inter Miami’s strategy alongside Messi. His goals and assists have been pivotal in securing this title and others during his one-year tenure with the club.

These are his statistics:

• Major League Soccer (MLS): 28 matches, 10 goals, 10 assists
• MLS Cup Playoffs: 2 matches, 0 goals, 1 assist
• CONCACAF Champions Cup: 8 matches, 3 goals, 2 assists
• Leagues Cup: 6 matches, 3 goals, 3 assists
• FIFA Club World Cup: 4 matches, 1 goal, 1 assist
• TOTAL (All Competitions): 48 matches, 17 goals, 17 assists

Suarez’s teams in his career so far

As Suarez contemplates leaving Inter Miami, he could be eyeing a return to Uruguay to conclude a storied career that includes numerous teams. These are the teams Luis Suarez has played for during his career:

• Nacional (Uruguay)
• Groningen (Netherlands)
• Ajax (Netherlands)
• Liverpool (England)
• Barcelona (Spain)
• Atletico de Madrid (Spain)
• Gremio (Brazil)
• Inter Miami (USA)

The truth is that Suarez has a contract with Inter Miami until December 31st, and it is still unknown if the Florida club will decide to extend it. However, there is also a chance that he could continue his career elsewhere—a return to Uruguay is being discussed as a possibility—or that he might stop playing professionally entirely, following the example of Alba and Busquets.

Rumors regarding a potential exit began to gain more strength after no information about a contract renewal with Inter Miami surfaced. Furthermore, the Uruguayan lost his starting spot due to the strong performances of both Tadeo Allende and Mateo Silvetti, resulting in him clocking fewer minutes per game than he was used to.

However, before the final against the Whitecaps commenced, Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, spoke about Luis Suarez’s future, making it clear that the door is open for a contract renewal whenever the Uruguayan desires it.

“Luis is a legend in soccer, one of the best No. 9s, not just of our generation but of all time. Luis deserves to make the decision to leave with dignity and be celebrated as he should be in terms of the club, and if he decides to stay for one more year, it would be fine by the club, and I would love to see Luis continue… The decision is up to him,” Mas explained to reporters present.

Suarez linked with potential return to Nacional

Speculation is growing in Uruguay over a possible return of Suarez to Nacional in 2026. Excitement among supporters has intensified after midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro confirmed that he has been in regular contact with the former Barcelona and Atletico Madrid striker and has been actively encouraging him to come back.

“We’re always talking with Luis, and of course we’d love for him to return,” said Lodeiro, who rejoined Nacional this year after his time in MLS with the Seattle Sounders. “We’re constantly trying to convince him”.

Nacional vice president Flavio Perchman also weighed in on the situation, making it clear that the door remains open should Suarez decide to finish his career where it all began. “He knows this club will always welcome him,” Perchman said in an interview with Minuto 1.

“If he believes the best way to close out his career is here, that opportunity will be available. I haven’t spoken with Luis directly—only with Lodeiro—but for now, it remains a hope. The important thing is letting him focus calmly on his final this weekend. There’s still time,” he added.

This is purely a decision by manager Javier Mascherano. Suarez is on the bench, so he can be used as a substitute, but he is not playing from the start due to a coaching decision. This is the third-straight game where Suarez doesn’t start. Before those games, he had a two-game suspension. In total, this is the fifth game in a row where Inter Miami starts a game without Suarez.

Who’s replacing Suarez? Well, Lionel Messi is going back to his ‘false 9‘ ways, being the primary striker of the team, but also helping out on the creation side, and using other players as either threats or decoys to implement his game.

How has the team fared without Suarez in the last four games?

Inter Miami has played four games without Suarez in the starting lineup. The team has honestly not missed him much in most of them. While Miami lost the first game 2-1 against Nashville, after that, it’s been an offensive avalanche.

The Herons then beat Nasvhille 4-0. Cincinnati then suffered the same fate, as Inter Miami won 4-0 followed by a 5-1 dominant victory against New York City. The fact of the matter is that the team scored 18 goals in four games without Suarez. Now, why change what isn’t broken?

Will Suarez play a factor in MLS Cup final?

It’s almost a certainty that Suarez will play in the game eventually. After all, he has been subbed in the last two games. Mascherano knows Suarez is a key piece, but now he is using him as a player that can revolutionize the game. You can follow the game here.

In the end, the Herons are facing a tough team in the Vancouver Whitecaps and Thomas Muller. Hence, it’s more than likely that Suarez enters in the second half of the game.

Regardless of the result, the end of the campaign will mark a special moment for the team managed by Javier Mascherano. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, two of the squad’s veterans and historic partners of Messi, will hang up their boots at the end of the season.

However, there could be another significant departure after the final. Luis Suarez’s contract runs until December 31st, and he has not yet agreed to an extension with Inter Miami. Now, a concrete option for his future has emerged from South America, in the final stretch of his career, just two months shy of his 39th birthday.

In Uruguay, Nacional fans are excited about a potential return of the former Barcelona striker in 2026, with the team already qualified for the Copa Libertadores. Nicolas Lodeiro, who returned to Nacional this year after a stint in MLS, admitted he is in contact with Suarez to convince him to come back.

“We always talk with Luis, hopefully he can come back; we are always trying to persuade him to return,” the former Seattle Sounders player said amidst rumors of a possible return to Nacional for next year.

In the same vein, Flavio Perchman, Vice President of Nacional, offered his perspective on the possibility of a return. “He knows that he has the doors wide open. If he considers that the best way to finish his career is to come here… I haven’t spoken with Luis; what I know is what I spoke about with Lodeiro, and I have no other information. The nice thing is to have hopes, and it is a hope. Let him play the final calmly this weekend. We have time,” added Perchman in an interview with Minuto 1.

Suárez’s numbers with Inter Miami

Suarez arrived at Inter Miami in 2024 from Gremio in Brazil to reunite with his former Barcelona teammates: Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The striker made a huge impact from his arrival at the club, where he is the second all-time leading scorer in the history of the Herons, behind only Messi.

Currently, according to Transfermarkt information, the Uruguayan has played 87 matches across all competitions for Inter Miami, registering 42 goals and 29 assists.

In terms of honors, Suarez was part of the squad that won the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and is currently one step away from winning the first MLS Cup title in the club’s history when they face the Vancouver Whitecaps this Saturday, December 6th. That match will be the last for Alba and Busquets as professionals, and it could also be the Uruguayan’s final game wearing the Inter Miami jersey.

Mascherano emphasized the importance of maintaining player fitness during the postseason, stating that Suarez’s presence on the bench allows the team to adjust strategies and respond to the flow of the game. This approach reflects Inter Miami’s broader focus on sustaining energy levels across a congested playoff schedule.

Mascherano expects Suarez to come in as an impact substitute, providing experience and goal-scoring ability in the second half if tactical adjustments are needed. His presence on the bench ensures that Inter Miami can adapt dynamically to FC Cincinnati’s strategy during the match.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup vs FC Cincinnati

Mascherano’s tactical plan for today’s MLS Cup Playoff clash against FC Cincinnati focuses on starting with Mateo Silvetti instead of Luis Suarez, prioritizing energy and high pressing from the first whistle.

Inter Miami will start with Rocco Rios Novo in goal, a back line of Marcelo Weigandt, Sergio Busquets, Nicolas Falcon, and Jordi Alba, a midfield trio of Noah Allen, Mateo Silvetti, and Rodrigo De Paul, and a front three of Baltasar Rodriguez, captain Lionel Messi, and Tadeo Allende.