Messi officially loses his key right-hand man in the MLS

08/11/2025 11:19:00 SportScoop

Inter Miami will be without Luis Suarez in the decisive match against Nashville, as the MLS rejected the suspension appeal, forcing coach Javier Mascherano to find a way forward without his main striker.

Inter Miami will not have Luis Suarez available for the crucial third match against Nashville at 8:00 AM on November 9, after the MLS denied the suspension appeal of the Uruguayan forward. Coach Javier Mascherano confirmed this on November 7, stating that Suarez had made efforts to overturn the one-match ban ahead of this knockout game, where a spot in the semifinals is at stake.

Messi chính thức mất 'cánh tay phải đắc lực' tại MLS 737295 — Luis Suarez is officially suspended for the home game against Nashville (Photo: MLS).

The MLS suspension for Luis Suarez stems from his action of kicking Honduran player Andy Najar. According to Mascherano, the organizers quickly rejected the former Barcelona star’s appeal.

Mascherano said: “The player appealed by himself because in this case, we were informed that the club could not do it. He used the team’s resources to file the appeal, but it was denied within a few hours.”

Messi chính thức mất 'cánh tay phải đắc lực' tại MLS 737304

Inter Miami now must find a way to progress without their leading striker. Defender Maximiliano Falcón emphasized that the entire team will fight for Suarez and their common goal.

Falcón stated: “We know this will be a heated match, where everything will feel like a real battle. We will try to play our usual style, but at the same time, we must fight and win every duel, because sometimes the game is decided in moments like those.”

Messi chính thức mất 'cánh tay phải đắc lực' tại MLS 737305 — Messi will lose one of his best attacking partners (Photo: GOAL).

In the final training session on November 7, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul trained with the whole team, confirming their readiness for the upcoming match. Although suspended, Suarez still trained with the group, while David Ruiz continued individual training and is almost certain to miss the game. Young player Allen Obando has recovered and might come off the bench.

The winner between Inter Miami and Nashville will face the victor of the Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew match in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Related articles