FootyChatter.com

The former Liverpool and Barcelona striker, who turns 39 in January, has been productive but was benched for the tail end of Miami’s title run Inter Miami have re-signed striker Luis Suárez through the 2026 season, the MLS Cup champions announced Wednesday. The legendary Uruguay international had 17 goals and 17 assists in 50 appearances for the team in 2025. However, Inter Miami became a buzzsaw after Suárez was dropped to the bench by head coach Javier Mascherano. Replaced by Mateo Silvetti after Miami’s 2-1 loss at Nashville SC in Round One, Miami won their next four games and outscored opponents 16-2 in route to the MLS Cup title. Suarez, who turns 39 in January, has 42 goals and 29 assists in 87 matches since joining Inter Miami ahead of the 2024 season. He has dealt with numerous knee issues at the tail end of his professional career, saying in 2023 that he was often not able to play without the aid of painkillers. Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said earlier this month that Suarez would get a deal if he wanted to return. “Luis deserves to be able to make that decision to be able to leave through the front door and be celebrated like he should be by the club, ” Mas told reporters on 6 December. “And if he decides to stay at the club for another year, it would be great. I would like to see Suárez stay. Only Suárez and two-time MLS MVP Lionel Messi remain from Miami’s “Core Four” of former FC Barcelona stars, with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retiring after the 2025 playoffs. The Herons are scheduled to open their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, on 4 April against Austin FC. The club will play its first five games of the 2026 season on the road.