MLS issues order, Suarez’s career in the US is effectively over

Luis Suarez has become the center of controversy as his 9-match suspension in the Leagues Cup could turn into a “lifetime ban,” casting serious doubt on his future with Inter Miami.

The incident originated from the 2025 Leagues Cup final, where Inter Miami lost 0-3 to Seattle Sounders. After the final whistle, Suarez lost control and spat at a member of the opposing coaching staff. Initially, MLS handed down a 6-match suspension, but according to MARCA, the Leagues Cup disciplinary committee increased it to 9 matches, considering the act intolerable.

In theory, this penalty might not seem too severe. However, due to the unique format of the Leagues Cup, where each team plays a maximum of 9 matches if they reach the final, this ban effectively means Suarez could be barred from the tournament forever. If Inter Miami is eliminated early in the 2026 group stage, Suarez won’t have served the full suspension and will have to wait until the following season. If this scenario repeats, he may not return until 2028, by which time he will be 41 years old.

This risk is heightened given Suarez’s past serious injury. In 2023, while playing for Grêmio, he was diagnosed with knee cartilage degeneration and even considered early retirement. Although he recovered and continued his career in the US, this physical issue remains a “time bomb” threatening the final stage of the Uruguayan striker’s career.

Another factor is Lionel Messi. Suarez has no historical ties to Inter Miami or MLS; he moved to the US simply because of Messi, his close friend from their Barcelona days. If Messi seriously considers retirement after the 2026 World Cup, Suarez will have little reason to stay, especially as he will be nearing 40.

Therefore, what seemed like a short-term 9-match ban has become a potentially “permanent” milestone. Suarez is very likely never to play in the Leagues Cup again. For Inter Miami, losing this experienced striker, especially when the team heavily relies on his experience and goals, would be a severe blow to their competitive ambitions.

From a broader perspective, this incident further illustrates that Suarez’s career has always been accompanied by controversies and suspensions. From past biting incidents to the recent spitting episode, his legacy is marked not only by goals but also scandals. This time, the 9-match ban might have closed the door to the Leagues Cup for Suarez forever.

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