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Luis Suárez ranks among the finest strikers of his era, yet his career has never been far from controversy.
Following a hugely decorated career across Europe, the Uruguayan forward chose to reunite with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami in late 2023. The 37-year-old claimed the MLS Cup in his second season with the club before signing a contract extension in December 2025.
Yet even amid the comparatively lower level of competition—relative to Europe's top flights—Suárez's fierce competitive nature has continued to surface in Miami.
The Herons have grown accustomed to success since the high-profile arrivals brought their star power to South Florida in the twilight of their careers. So when the Seattle Sounders dismantled them 3–0 in last year's Leagues Cup final, the reaction from Miami was ugly and ill-tempered.
Why Luis Suárez Is Suspended for 2026 Leagues Cup
Seattle's post-match celebrations at Lumen Field were overshadowed by a confrontation involving players from both sides, with Suárez predictably at the center of the trouble.
The veteran forward was caught on camera spitting at Sounders staff member Gene Ramirez during the altercation. Suárez subsequently issued an apology via Instagram, but was still handed a six-game Leagues Cup suspension.
Major League Soccer also handed him a separate three-match ban from its own competition.
As a consequence of the ban, Suárez will be absent for the entirety of Miami's 2026 Leagues Cup run, regardless of how far they advance.
Lamenting the loss of his key forward, head coach Guillermo Hoyos, who took charge in April, insisted Suárez cannot be replaced: "Luis is irreplaceable," he told reporters on Tuesday (via ESPN). "They are players that mark the path."
Although Suárez's numbers dipped in 2025, he has been in outstanding form this season, and would have entered Wednesday's league phase fixture having netted seven goals across his previous four appearances.
"It's a shame because Luis's level is very high," Hoyos added. "He helps us not only with goals but with assists and the work. Like the great players of the world, he will be missed. You cannot replace him. We have to compete."
Miami kick off their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign at Nu Stadium against Liga MX side Atlético de San Luis.
Lionel Messi Ready for First Inter Miami Start After World Cup
It was during the 2023 Leagues Cup that Lionel Messi truly announced himself to North American fans in breathtaking fashion.
The Argentine continues to perform at an extraordinary level as he approaches 40, with his most recent World Cup campaign deserving of a second Golden Ball. Messi ended the tournament with eight goals and guided an imperfect Argentina side all the way to the final once more, though Spain ultimately proved superior at MetLife Stadium.
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He took a two-week rest following the heartbreaking loss, before returning to action for the Herons against Columbus Crew in their last MLS fixture ahead of the Leagues Cup. Messi came on as a substitute in the 52nd minute of the 2–2 draw.
As a result, the 39-year-old is set to reclaim his place in Hoyos's starting lineup for Wednesday's match. With both Suárez and injured striker Germán Berterame unavailable, Miami are heavily reliant on the Argentine icon.
Rodrigo De Paul also featured against the Crew, lining up alongside new signing Casemiro in the center of midfield.