Luis Suárez (38, Inter Miami) will play one more season. Although he has entered the twilight of his career, the end is not yet here. Inter Miami is in the final stages of completing a contract renewal with Suárez.
The U.S. outlet The Athletic reported on the 17th (Korean time), citing multiple sources, that "Inter Miami is close to agreeing to extend Luis Suárez's contract through the 2026 season." Suárez, who will turn 39 in January next year, is now much more likely to wear the Miami jersey for at least one more season.
There were already signs. Inter Miami won the MLS Cup earlier this month, and club owner Jorge Mas said immediately after the victory that "there is a possibility of Suárez staying," leaving room for a contract renewal. At the time it was only a possibility, but now it is shaping up to become reality.
Suárez appeared in 50 official matches in the 2025 season, recording 17 goals and 17 assists. His total playing time was 4,046 minutes. Judged by the numbers alone, he remains a key player for the team.
However, his position changed as the season progressed. As the playoffs began he lost out in the starting lineup competition, and he missed the third match of the first round of the playoffs against Nashville due to suspension. After that he was left out of the starting lineup for three consecutive matches and was classified as a rotation player.
His disciplinary record was also a factor. Suárez received a six-match suspension for spitting at a security officer from the Seattle Sounders after the Leagues Cup final. That suspension carries over into the 2026 Leagues Cup as a ban from appearing in all matches. From Inter Miami's perspective, this is a risk that must be considered.
Despite that, the club's choice is to keep him. The Athletic previously predicted that "Suárez's role could be adjusted to a clear rotation player in the 2026 season." This contract is also interpreted as a choice premised on changes in playing time and his role within the team.
Suárez joined Inter Miami ahead of the 2025 season and reunited with Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Alba and Busquets have chosen to retire, but Messi and Suárez remain with the team. The veteran duo's experience is an important asset for maintaining the champion team's strength.
His career is illustrious. Suárez, who made his professional debut with Nacional in 2005, went on to Groningen and Ajax and rose to the ranks of the world's top forwards at Liverpool. He later experienced four league titles and one Champions League title with Barcelona, leaving an overwhelming record of 195 goals and 113 assists in 283 official matches. He added titles and individual awards at Atlético Madrid, Nacional and Grêmio as well.
His prime is over, but his experience remains. MLS champion Inter Miami has decided to spend one more season with Suárez as he turns the final page of his career. His career is expected to continue at least through 2026.
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