Six-Game Ban Devastates Miami! Coach Ojos Admits: Suarez Is Irreplaceable
In an interview local time on Tuesday in Miami, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Ojos admitted that due to Luis Suarez's lengthy suspension, the team cannot find a replacement for him in the upcoming Leagues Cup. The Uruguayan striker was handed a six-match ban for spitting at an opposing staff member after last August's Leagues Cup final, where Inter Miami lost 0-3 to the Seattle Sounders, meaning he will miss the entire 2026 tournament.
"Luis's role is irreplaceable," Ojos told the media. "He is a core player who can guide the team." The absence of the 39-year-old veteran is a heavy blow to both him personally and the club. Recently, Suarez has been in hot form, taking on the attacking burden for Miami in the absence of both Lionel Messi and German Berterame, scoring seven goals in his last four games.
In Saturday's 2-2 draw with Columbus Crew, the veteran Uruguayan contributed a goal and an assist, a match in which Messi came off the bench for the first time since the World Cup. "It's a shame, because Luis is in top form," Ojos said of Suarez's suspension after the draw with Columbus. "He helps us not only with goals, but also with assists and tackles. Like a world-class star, we will miss him. You can't find a replacement. We have to move on."
After the final whistle of last year's final, a clash broke out between Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders. Suarez spat at an opposing staff member before being pulled away by teammates and coaches. Former Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets also threw a punch at former Seattle midfielder Obed Vargas, while then-Miami defender Tomas Aviles was also punished for aggressive behavior. Although Busquets was suspended for two games and Aviles for three, both are no longer with Inter Miami — Busquets has retired and Aviles is on loan to Chilean Primera Division club O'Higgins FC.
Inter Miami will begin their Leagues Cup campaign on Wednesday night at Nu Stadium, facing Atletico San Luis in their opener, followed by group stage matches against Monterrey and Leon.