Mascherano Laments Suárez’s Absence at Inter Miami Due to MLS Suspension

Luis Suárez Misses Upcoming Matches with Inter Miami After Suspension

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed the absence of a key player following the suspension imposed on Luis Suárez by Major League Soccer (MLS). Suárez was sanctioned with three matches for spitting at a member of the Seattle Sounders staff during the Leagues Cup final on August 31. This sanction is in addition to the initial six-match ban imposed by the Leagues Cup. Both Suárez and Inter Miami issued statements apologizing for the incident.

Regarding the suspension, obviously, we accept the MLS’s decision. The club has already publicly agreed with that decision. Luis has also publicly expressed his agreement with the team. We discussed what we had to discuss in private and, well, I think we have finally closed that topic, although clearly none of us liked how the match against Seattle ended and everything that happened.

Javier Mascherano

Suárez will not be able to participate in Inter Miami’s matches against Charlotte FC, Seattle, and D.C. United. Mascherano explained that Suárez’s absence opens up opportunities for the team to explore other options and seek to replace him in the best possible way. In addition to Suárez, Inter Miami will also be without Fafà Picault, David Ruiz, Allen Obando, and Baltasar Rodriguez, due to injuries. Despite the losses, Lionel Messi will be available for the next match against Charlotte. Mascherano confirmed that Messi trained all week with the club after returning early from his international commitments with Argentina. Inter Miami is currently in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, with 46 points in 25 matches.