Inter Miami faces Tigres at 7 a.m. Thursday, 21/9, Hanoi time.
Suarez joined Inter Miami in late 2023 and his contract runs until the end of the 2025 MLS season. When asked about his future, the former Uruguay international didn't make a firm commitment but expressed his desire to retire at Miami with his close friend Messi. "Personally, I want to enjoy this time with the club and retire alongside Leo, because we've talked about this for many years," the 38-year-old striker said on August 19th at a press conference before Miami's Leagues Cup quarterfinal match against Tigres.
According to Suarez, he and Messi will consider their circumstances to make the best decision for themselves when the time comes to extend their contracts.
 |
Suarez (left) and Messi walk outside Chase Field in Florida, USA before Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Vancouver Whitecaps on 30/5/2025. Photo: AP |
Suarez (left) and Messi walk outside Chase Field in Florida, USA before Inter Miami's CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Vancouver Whitecaps on 30/5/2025. Photo: AP
Both Suarez and Messi, teammates during their time at Barcelona, have achieved success in MLS. Together, they brought home the 2024 Supporters' Shield for Miami, while Messi, having joined before Suarez, also won the 2023 Leagues Cup. Messi has not yet signed a contract extension with the Florida club. However, according to The Athletic, all signs indicate he will stay.
Suarez has struggled with chronic knee problems since his time playing in Europe. After scoring 20 goals in his first MLS season, he hasn't maintained that impressive output in 2025. However, in addition to his 6 goals this season, Suarez has 10 assists for Miami, placing him among the club's all-time assist leaders. "I'm a generous number 9," he joked about missing opportunities. "But when I don't score, I still get angry. I'm very demanding of myself, and I know I can contribute more to the team. Sometimes, due to circumstances or poor finishing, or unfavorable moments—which is normal in football—I can't help the team as I'd like."
Suarez also acknowledged that the 2025 season has been more physically challenging. The long break between MLS seasons, from November 2024 to February 2025, affected his fitness at the beginning of the season. This year, Miami is competing in more tournaments, including MLS, the CONCACAF Champions Cup (reaching the semifinals), and the FIFA Club World Cup (reaching the quarterfinals).
 |
Suarez shoots during Miami's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match against Palmeiras at Chase Field in Miami, USA on 23/6. Photo: AP |
Suarez shoots during Miami's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match against Palmeiras at Chase Field in Miami, USA on 23/6. Photo: AP
"The body needs time to readjust to the physical demands," Suarez explained. "High-intensity training sessions are when I feel it most. Then, as the matches progress, you start to feel better. The more matches you play, the more you find your rhythm. Don't think that playing too many matches makes recovery more difficult. I've never really had a problem with that."
Suarez has amassed a collection of over 20 club titles and numerous individual awards. Yet, he still hopes to win more trophies in his final years with Miami. "If we approach matches the way we did in the FIFA Club World Cup, Miami can win both the Leagues Cup and the MLS Cup. We set very high goals," he stated.
Suarez also emphasized that he and many of his colleagues didn't come to MLS to simply wind down their careers. "That's not true. Everyone sees that we still get angry and frustrated on the field, because we're still hungry to compete, we always want to win no matter what league we're in. That's the DNA that took us to the peak of our careers, and we'll continue like that until the end," he concluded.
Ha Phuong (ESPN)
