Luis Suárez suspended for Game 3 after controversial incident in MLS Playoffs | OneFootball

Inter Miami will be without a key player in the decisive match against Nashville SC this Saturday. Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez has been suspended for one game after an off-the-ball incident with defender Andy Najar in the 71st minute of Game 2, played on November 3.

The play did not result in a penalty on the field, but the MLS Disciplinary Committee reviewed the video and determined the suspension.

The Florida club attempted to appeal the decision, but the appeal was denied. The team also registered its concern with the committee's decision.

“Inter Miami CF accepts and respects the decision of the MLS Disciplinary Committee.At the same time, the club wishes to express its concern about the precedent created by re-evaluating a play that had already been judged by the match referees and VAR, and its confidence that the same criteria will be applied in the future to all on-field situations, in any match and involving any team.”

Thus, Suárez is out of the do-or-die playoff match in the 2025 MLS playoffs, scheduled for DRV PNK Stadium.

Reactions and impact of Luis Suárez's suspension

The incident generated intense repercussions on social media. Some users considered the gesture aggressive, dangerous, and characteristic of the player's reputation. While others defended Suárez, pointing to his characteristic intensity in moments of pressure.

In the Honduran press, the focus was on the victim of the incident — Andy Najar — while Uruguayan outlets minimized the situation and highlighted Suárez's importance to the team.

Luis Suárez's numbers and context

At 38 years old, the striker already has 20 goals this MLS season, leading Inter Miami's scoring charts even with Lionel Messi's prolonged absence due to injury. In November 2024, the club had renewed the Uruguayan's contract until the end of 2025, betting on his technical and emotional leadership.

Now, it will be up to Messi and company to seek qualification without their "Pistolero". Game 3 takes place on Saturday, November 8th, broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.