Javier Mascherano says Luis Suarez is ready to play as Lionel Messi, Inter Miami head to Charlotte

Luis Suarez was an unused substitute for the second consecutive game as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami were held to a scoreless draw by Nashville in the first leg of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16. According to Javier Mascherano, the Uruguayan is fit to play.

“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.

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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.