Inter Miami rues 6-game Leagues Cup ban for in-form Luis Suárez

MIAMI — Inter Miami’s head coach Guillermo Hoyos expressed the challenge ahead as the team prepares for the Leagues Cup without star forward Luis Suárez, who is serving a six-game suspension. This penalty was imposed after Suárez spat at a Seattle Sounders staff member following Miami’s 3-0 defeat in the tournament final last August, sidelining him for the entire FIFA World Cup 2026.

“Luis is irreplaceable,” Hoyos stated at a press conference. “They are players that mark the path.”

Suárez’s absence comes at a crucial moment for both player and club. The 39-year-old has been in exceptional form, scoring seven goals in four games while stepping up in the absence of Lionel Messi and Germán Berterame.

In a recent match, Suárez contributed a goal and an assist during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew, which marked Lionel Messi’s first game back since the World Cup.

“It’s a shame because Luis’ level is very high,” Hoyos added regarding Suárez’s suspension. “He helps with both goals and assists, and his work ethic is invaluable. Like the great players of the world, he will be missed. You cannot replace him. We have to compete.”

The incident that led to Suárez’s suspension occurred after last year’s final, where a brawl erupted between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders. Suárez had to be restrained by teammates and coaches after spitting on a staff member from the opposing team.

Former Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets was involved as well, throwing a punch at Seattle’s Obed Vargas. Similarly, then-defender Tomás Avilés faced sanctions for aggressive behavior.

While Busquets faced a two-game ban and Avilés a three-match suspension, both are no longer part of the team—Busquets has retired and Avilés is currently on loan with O’Higgins FC in Chile.

Inter Miami will begin their Leagues Cup journey against Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium, followed by matches against Monterrey and León in the group stage.