For Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, each MLS Cup Playoffs match appears like future on the road. This weekend’s decisive Recreation 3 towards Nashville carries even larger weight — and never simply because it’s do-or-die. As Miami prepares for its greatest night time of the season at Chase Stadium, Luis Suarez’s absence has forged an extended, uneasy shadow over the group’s preparations.
After dropping 2-1 away in Tennessee, Miami returns dwelling to face Nashville in what’s shaping as much as be one of the emotionally charged nights in membership historical past. The Herons, as soon as heralded as favorites for the MLS Cup, now discover themselves strolling the identical tightrope that snapped beneath them final yr — when their marketing campaign ended abruptly within the opening spherical.
The scenario feels hauntingly acquainted. Inter Miami received Recreation 1 of the sequence with authority, solely to crumble within the rematch at Geodis Park. The Coyotes’ disciplined construction, paired with Sam Surridge’s medical ending, neutralized Messi’s affect utterly.
Now, all the pieces is dependent upon Saturday night time. The equation is brutally easy: win and advance, or lose and watch the dream die early as soon as once more. The followers will pack Chase Stadium with hope — but additionally with anxiousness. As a result of this time, the Herons are lacking extra than simply momentum. They’re lacking their talismanic striker.
The stunning twist in Miami’s camp
Simply when it appeared issues couldn’t get extra difficult, Inter Miami’s main striker, Luis Suarez, was hit with a suspension. “Luis Suarez has been suspended for Saturday’s pivotal playoff match towards Nashville SC by the MLS Disciplinary Committee,” reported The Athletic, citing sources near the league.
The choice got here after an off-ball incident within the 71st minute of Recreation 2, when Suarez “kicked out at Nashville defender Andy Najar.” No foul was known as throughout the match, however the Disciplinary Committee later reviewed the footage and decided that the Uruguayan’s motion constituted “a transparent and apparent crimson card offense.”
Miami swiftly appealed, however to no avail. The suspension was upheld, ruling the Uruguayan veteran out of a very powerful recreation of the season. It’s a devastating blow for Messi and the Herons, who will now must navigate Nashville’s iron protection with out their most pure finisher.
Gene Ramirez of the Seattle Sounders and Luis Suárez #9 of Inter Miami CF work together
Acquainted controversy for Suarez
For Suarez, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. The striker has been no stranger to disciplinary headlines all through his storied profession. Earlier this season, he was banned for six Leagues Cup matches and three MLS video games after an incident involving Seattle Sounders’ safety director Gene Ramirez, whom he was discovered responsible of spitting on throughout a post-match altercation.
Since getting back from that ban, Suarez had been flawless on the pitch — scoring 14 targets and offering 15 assists throughout all competitions. His partnership with Messi rekindled reminiscences of their Barcelona days, turning Inter Miami into an offensive juggernaut that swept by way of the common season. However as soon as once more, controversy has caught up with him on the worst doable time.
With Suarez unavailable, supervisor Javier Mascherano faces a vital tactical dilemma. When the Uruguayan was beforehand suspended, Mascherano opted for a fluid system that featured Messi and Tadeo Allende up entrance, and not using a conventional heart ahead. It labored in moments — however towards Nashville’s structured backline, that experiment shall be examined like by no means earlier than.
