However, despite the reduced level of competition\u2014relative to Europe\u2019s premier divisions\u2014Su\u00e1rez\u2019s ferocious competitive spirit has continued to rear its ugly head in Miami. <\/p>\n
The Herons have gotten used to winning since the superstars rocked up to enjoy some Floridian sun in their career twilights. So when the Seattle Sounders<\/a> thrashed them 3\u20130 in last year\u2019s Leagues Cup final, they reacted with petulance and nastiness.<\/p>\n Why Luis Su\u00e1rez Is Suspended for 2026 Leagues Cup Miami attacker Luis Su\u00e1rez (right) in conflict with Seattle Sounders head of security. | Alika Jenner\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Seattle\u2019s postgame celebrations at Lumen Field were marred by a brawl between both sets of players, and Su\u00e1rez unsurprisingly was one of the chief antagonists. <\/p>\n The veteran striker was captured spitting at Sounders staff member Gene Ramirez following an altercation. Su\u00e1rez later apologized for his behavior on Instagram<\/a>, but was nonetheless slapped with a six-match Leagues Cup ban.<\/p>\n Major League Soccer banned him for three games<\/a> from its competition, too.<\/p>\n As a result of the suspension, Su\u00e1rez will miss the entirety of Miami\u2019s 2026 Leagues Cup campaign, even if they reach the final. <\/p>\n Luis Su\u00e1rez has been on fire recently for Inter Miami. | Mart\u00edn Fonseca\/Eurasia Sport Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Rueing his star striker\u2019s absence, manager Guillermo Hoyas, appointed to the role in April, said Su\u00e1rez cannot be replaced: \u201cLuis is irreplaceable,\u201d he told reporters on Tuesday (via ESPN<\/a>). \u201cThey are players that mark the path.\u201d<\/p>\n While Su\u00e1rez\u2019s output dipped in 2025, he\u2019s been in excellent form this year, and would\u2019ve entered Wednesday\u2019s league phase game having scored seven times in his previous four matches. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a shame because Luis\u2019s level is very high,” Hoyos added. \u201cHe helps us not only with goals but with assists and the work. Like the great players of the world, he will be missed. You cannot replace him. We have to compete.\u201d<\/p>\n Miami gets their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign underway at Nu Stadium against Liga MX\u2019s Atl\u00e9tico de San Luis.<\/a><\/p>\n Lionel Messi Ready for First Inter Miami Start After World Cup Messi trained with the rest of the roster on Tuesday. | Chris Arjoon\/Icon Sportswire\/Getty Images<\/p>\n It was during the 2023 Leagues Cup when Lionel Messi confirmed to North American audiences just how special he is. <\/p>\n The Argentine continues to blossom at a freakish level as he nears 40, with his latest World Cup<\/a> campaign worthy of a second Golden Ball. Messi finished with eight goals and carried a flawed Argentina to the final again, but Spain proved too good at MetLife Stadium. <\/p>\n He enjoyed a two-week break after the crushing defeat, but was back in action for the Herons against the Columbus Crew in their final MLS outing before the Leagues Cup. Messi was a 52nd minute substitute in the 2\u20132 draw<\/a>. <\/p>\n Thus, the 39-year-old is expected to return to Hoyos\u2019s XI for Wednesday\u2019s match. Without Su\u00e1rez and stricken striker Germ\u00e1n Berterame, Miami desperately need the Argentinian great. <\/p>\n Rodrigo De Paul was also back in action against the Crew, partnering new recruit Casemiro in midfield. <\/p>\n![\"Inter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01khrxdcz57ctgrcse8w.jpg\" "\\"Inter")
<\/p>\n![\"Luis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01kfxkcnvg9dv0en9awk.jpg\" "\\"Luis")
<\/p>\n![\"Lionel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01kz9bk2myr8ndmb78j2.jpg\" "\\"Lionel")
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