Luis Suárez’s surprise decision leaves MLS fans and Inter Miami stunned | OneFootball

At 37, Suárez has proven that age is just a number when it comes to performance. In 2024, he was Inter Miami’s top scorer, netting an impressive 25 goals in 37 matches across all competitions. In the MLS regular season, his numbers were even more remarkable: 20 goals and 9 assists in 27 games. It’s no surprise he finished fourth in the Golden Boot race.

Suárez didn't just score goals; he was also instrumental in helping Inter Miami secure the Supporters' Shield and set a single-season points record. Beyond statistics, the Uruguayan brought leadership and experience-qualities highlighted by the club's president of soccer operations, Raúl Sanllehí, who said, "Luis wasn't just our top scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be overstated.

A Successful Partnership with Messi and the Big Four Since joining in December 2023, Luis Suárez has belonged to the star-studded quartet that revitalized Inter Miami to become a competitive club. Alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, his teammates at FC Barcelona, Suárez makes the Inter Miami team tough inside and outside MLS.

This chemistry among old friends has been a game-changer. Messi and Suárez, in particular, have reignited a partnership that once dominated world soccer at Barcelona. Together, they’ve led Inter Miami’s attack with creativity, experience, and, of course, plenty of goals. And the Barça connections keep growing: next season, Javier Mascherano will join the team as head coach, further cementing ties to the Catalan club.

High Expectations for 2025

The renovation of Suárez comes with big aims for 2025, with Inter Miami set to take part in high-profile tournaments: Concacaf Champions League and the much-coveted FIFA Club World Cup, apart from the MLS. Inter Miami will gear up to go for all titles, as they expect Suárez to again be the backbone of their campaigns.

But more than just a tactical move, the renewal is a commitment to continuity. Speaking after the announcement, Suárez mentioned the close bond he has formed with Inter Miami's fanbase, which he described as "family." He said, "We feel very, very connected with them, and I hope next year we can bring even more joy to them." Undeniably, this peculiar connection between player and fans fuels the optimism about the team.

A Blazing Start in MLS

Suárez wasted no time getting his feet wet with Inter Miami. Throughout his first months, he took home MLS Player of the Month for both February and March 2024. In those respective periods, the Uruguayan notched five goals and three assists across just seven games, continuing to prove his seamless adaptation to soccer across North America.

Those early numbers included two goals and two assists in a 5-0 win over Orlando City SC, and another two goals in a 3-1 victory against DC United. The consistency provided by Suárez right from the beginning of the season gave Inter Miami the base for such a historic campaign.

Glorious Career

Luis Suárez doesn't need an introduction. His career speaks for itself. He shone at European giants like Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, amassing titles and breaking records. Even before that, at Ajax, he showed glimpses of the superstar he would become. Over his storied career, Suárez has scored 496 goals and won more than 20 trophies.

On the international stage, his legend is just as undeniable. He retired as Uruguay's all-time leading scorer with 69 goals in 143 appearances. Among his many accomplishments is the 2011 Copa América title, which solidified his place among the greatest forwards of his generation.

The Significance of the Renewal

Suárez's extension is more than a move of strategy; it signals, crystal clear, that Inter Miami is betting on identity. Along with Messi and company, the team will position itself as one of the top representatives of American soccer internationally, with a sound base toward the future.

By keeping Suárez on the roster, Inter Miami reinforces a message of investment in top talent to compete at the highest level. Beyond numbers, the renewal symbolizes belief in the impact a player like Suárez continues to bring, not only through goals but as an inspiration to young players and a connection to the fans.