**Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Face Must-Win Playoff Without Luis Suárez**
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Inter Miami will be without star forward Luis Suárez for Saturday’s decisive playoff match against Nashville SC. Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that Suárez has been suspended and fined for his actions in Game 2 of the series, specifically for kicking Nashville’s Andy Nájar this past weekend.
The league’s disciplinary committee determined that Suárez’s “violent conduct” in the 71st minute on November 1 warranted a suspension, even though no foul was called during the match. By MLS rules, the committee can impose a suspension if they unanimously agree to act on incidents missed in real time.
Suárez was seen reaching out with his right leg and striking Nájar, even though neither player was near the ball at the time of the incident. The Argentinian striker’s absence adds significant pressure on Inter Miami, who must win Saturday’s Game 3 against Nashville or see their season come to an end.
This is not the first time Suárez has faced disciplinary action this year. Earlier in the season, he was suspended for three league matches after being caught spitting at an opponent following Inter Miami’s loss to the Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final on August 31. The Leagues Cup tournament also suspended him for six future matches, with MLS taking further action despite the misconduct occurring outside of league play.
Suárez has faced other suspensions in his career for biting incidents, further adding to his controversial reputation.
In addition to Suárez’s suspension, MLS announced on Wednesday that Inter Miami defender Ian Fray has been fined for “violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment” during the Nashville match. The amount of the fine was not disclosed.
Inter Miami won Game 1 of the series but dropped Game 2 at Nashville, setting up a must-win scenario for Game 3 at home. Last season, Inter Miami also failed to advance past the first round, losing a decisive Game 3 to Atlanta.
Lionel Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—former Barcelona teammates—reunited in Miami after Messi’s blockbuster decision to join the club in mid-2023. Suárez followed Busquets and Alba to Inter Miami, although his future beyond this season remains uncertain. Messi recently extended his contract through 2028, while Busquets and Alba have announced their retirements at the end of this season.
Saturday’s match against Nashville will determine whether Inter Miami’s star-studded roster can continue its playoff run or end the season with another early exit.
https://wsvn.com/sports/inter-miamis-luis-suarez-suspended-for-decisive-mls-playoff-match-against-nashville/
