Lionel Messi clearly felt the absence of teammate and close friend Luis Suarez during Inter Miami’s 4–1 defeat to Minnesota United FC, where the Argentine struggled to generate clear chances. With the team preparing to face the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, head coach Javier Mascherano addressed Suárez’s availability.
Inter Miami’s loss at Allianz Field marked their heaviest defeat with Messi on the pitch. Without Suarez, the team lacked attacking structure and a focal point in the No. 9 role. Messi was forced to lead the line, and while he scored a goal, the team produced few quality chances overall.
Before that match, Mascherano had confirmed that Suarez would not travel with the squad to Minnesota. “Luis had to travel due to personal reasons,” said the coach in Friday’s pre-match press conference, without offering further details at the time.
Will Suarez play against San Jose Eartquakes?
Inter Miami is set to visit the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday for Matchday 13 of the 2025 MLS season. The Florida club has lost four of its last five games, and Suárez’s continued absence has become a growing concern. On Monday, Mascherano once again addressed the striker’s status.
“Luis remains out of the squad,” the Argentine coach confirmed during a press conference. As he did on Friday, Mascherano refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind Suárez’s absence. However, local reports have offered some context behind the decision.
see also
Lionel Messi snubbed by Inter Miami rival club president ahead of 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
According to sources, Suarez traveled with his family to Spain to attend his brother-in-law’s wedding—the same day Inter Miami faced Minnesota. Suarez’s wife, Sofia Balbi, shared photos from the event on her Instagram account, featuring family and friends, but the striker himself was not seen in any images.
It appears Suarez avoided appearing in photos to prevent public scrutiny or speculation about his commitment to the club. Now ruled out for a second consecutive game, Messi will once again lead the attack without his preferred partner, while Mascherano must find creative solutions to revamp Inter Miami’s forward play.
