Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suárez stressed that he is committed to demonstrating his value to head coach Javier Mascherano ahead of the MLS Cup final on December 6. He acknowledged the rationale behind the coach’s lineup decisions.
Suárez faced a one-match suspension during the third Round One match against Nashville SC, sitting out completely before being benched for both the Eastern Conference semifinal and final. Mascherano opted for Mateo Silvetti over Suárez, leading to an attacking lineup featuring Silvetti, Lionel Messi, and Tadeo Allende.
“I always want to play. Throughout my career, I’ve frequently had the opportunity to take the field, but now, with my experience, I understand the situation and the coach’s game plan for a match like the one against FC Cincinnati, and I support it without any issues,” Suárez told ESPN.
“It was about motivating those on the pitch to give their all while the rest of us, waiting on the sidelines, brought the same energy. We are a team. Naturally, I want to be on the field more, but that’s part of the process. It’s about training hard, pushing yourself, and showing the coach that you can contribute beyond the 10 or 15 minutes I’ve been getting.”
Inter Miami heads into the MLS Cup following three straight victories, scoring four or more goals in each game. After defeating Nashville 4-0 in the crucial last Round One match, they continued their success with a 4-0 win against FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference semifinal and a 5-1 victory over New York City in the Eastern Conference final.
Suárez took to the field against NYCFC in the 82nd minute, replacing Silvetti.
The team now prepares for its second final of the 2025 season, having previously reached the final of the Leagues Cup. This will mark the first time Inter Miami competes in the MLS Cup since becoming an expansion team in 2020.
“I want to help those who haven’t experienced finals, but our group has already played in finals this year. Things didn’t go as we hoped, but we must approach this one with the best mindset,” Suárez remarked.
“We’ll be playing at home with standout players, and we’re arriving with good form both on the pitch and mentally, which can be crucial in a final. Both teams are in solid form, but our recent results have given us a significant morale boost.”
Suárez’s contract will conclude after the 2025 MLS season. While neither he nor the club have disclosed future plans, Suárez expressed his eagerness to showcase his new Puma cleats during what could be his “last final.”