Photo via Luis Suarez on X
Luis Suárez’s Inter Miami future has become one of the biggest storylines of this offseason already. His contract has expired, and for weeks fans have been speculating whether the legendary striker will retire, return for one more year, or leave MLS entirely.
Inter Miami News Hub was first to report that Suárez has a contract offer on the table. The club has given him full control over the decision, and Suárez is expected to make his choice after the MLS Cup Final.
This was later confirmed by club owner Jorge Mas, who told reporters:
“Luis Suárez will decide in the coming days whether to retire in the manner he deserves or return for another year. We would welcome him back.”
The Benchings That Sparked the Debate
Suárez’s situation shifted dramatically during the playoffs.
He was suspended for the third game of the Nashville series due to a complaint filed by Nashville. Once Miami advanced, Mascherano kept him on the bench, and Miami produced some of their best football of the season without him in the starting XI.
Mascherano later said:
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the way Luis reacted was admirable.”
The same happened against Cincinnati and then NYCFC. After the NYCFC match, Suárez finally spoke:
“The Cincinnati game was tactical — I understood that completely.
But for the NYCFC match, I wanted to play more. I know I can contribute more than eight minutes. Still, it’s the coach’s call, and I accept it.
In the end, the team played brilliantly, and we have to celebrate that together.”
When Suárez received zero minutes in the MLS Cup Final, the speculation intensified. Mateo Silvetti, only 19, had taken his starting spot in three straight knockout matches.
The Nacional Rumors and the Sudden Twist
A few days ago, multiple reports from Uruguay claimed:
- Nacional wanted Suárez back
- The manager planned to meet him
- His children were already enrolled in school in Montevideo
- A return seemed imminent
But within 48 hours, a counter-report dropped:
BREAKING: Suárez has informed Nacional he will not return.
He thanked the club but has no plans to move back to Uruguay at this time.
These contradictory stories have left fans on edge, unsure which direction Suárez is leaning.
Why Suárez Might Stay
Suárez has repeatedly spoken about wanting to retire alongside Lionel Messi. With Alba and Busquets retiring, Messi could feel emotional about letting another long-time friend walk away.
The addition of Rodrigo De Paul, now officially signed for $17M through 2029, also strengthens Miami’s core and may encourage Suárez to stay one more season.
Statistically, Suárez remains productive:
2025 Season:
- 50 matches
- 17 goals
- 17 assists
2024 Season:
- 39 matches
- 26 goals
- 12 assists
His contributions were vital during periods when Messi was injured or on international duty last season.
Why Fans Are Split
Many Inter Miami supporters are conflicted.
Concerns:
- Suárez struggles physically to play 90 minutes consistently
- He often can’t make the explosive runs needed to exploit Messi’s passes
- Missed key chances in big matches
- Overuse early in the year led to burnout
- The Leagues Cup final incident, where he spat toward Seattle staff, further damaged opinions
- Miami desperately needs defensive reinforcements, and fans worry about DP usage
Positives:
- Clinical finishing when used properly
- Extraordinary link-up ability with Messi
- Still an elite passer and instinctive forward
- Valuable as a 30–40 minute weapon off the bench
- Model professionalism during the playoff benchings
The reality is simple: Suárez is no longer a 90-minute striker, and that is nobody’s fault — it’s just age catching up.
If he stays, Mascherano must manage him exactly how he did in the playoffs:
limited minutes, high impact, no heavy load.
What Happens Next?
Suárez will make his decision in the next few days, and Inter Miami News Hub will be the first to bring updates as the story develops.
Stay tuned — this might be the final big chapter of Suárez’s legendary career.
Interesting that in the Herald’s latest story that a club source told her that an Allende deal was imminent.