Luis Suarez signs contract extension with Inter Miami. Here are details, what he said
Luis Suarez is coming back to Inter Miami for another season.
The prolific Uruguayan forward, who is nicknamed “El Pistolero” (the gunslinger), proved he is still a lethal weapon at age 37 with a team-high 25 goals last season. He was rewarded with a contract extension through the 2025 MLS season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. He made $1.5 million in 2024.
He will have a chance to play another season with his close friend Lionel Messi under the direction of their ex-Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano, who was named Inter Miami coach on Tuesday, replacing Tata Martino, who resigned last week.
“I’m very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fan base, which for us is like family,” Suarez said. “We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy.”
Suarez helped lead Inter Miami to a record-breaking season in 2024 as the team won its first Supporters’ Shield title, breaking the MLS single-season points record in the process, but the team fell short of expectations with a first-round playoff exit.
His 20 regular-season goals were second most among all players in MLS in 2024 (tied with Messi). He also had nine regular-season assists, as well as a goal and an assist in the playoffs.
Suarez signed with Inter Miami last winter, and there was concern that his history of knee pain would limit his playing time. He put those worries to rest, playing in 37 matches across all competitions in, including 27 in regular-season play. He played a critical leadership role during the two months Messi was out injured.
“In 2024, Luis brought to Inter Miami all of the elements that make him one of the greatest strikers of all time,” president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí said. “He performed at an elite level for us, and we’re excited to see that continue next season. Luis was not only our leading scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated.”
Suarez has earned many personal accolades throughout his career. Notably, he has been the top scorer in a competition seven times: KNVB Cup (2009-10; eight goals), Eredivisie (2009-10; 35 goals), Conmebol World Cup Qualifiers (2013-14; 11 goals), English Premier League (2013-14; 31 goals), FIFA Club World Cup (2015; five goals), Copa del Rey (2015-16; five goals), and LaLiga (2015-16; 40 goals).
His league goal totals in 2013-14 and 2015-16 earned him European Golden Shoe honors, while his total of 31 Premier League goals in 2013-14 set a league-high for a season at the time.
He has been part of teams that won the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, five LaLiga, one Eredivisie, four Copa del Rey, one EFL Cup, one KNVB Cup, two Uruguayan Primera División, one Campeonato Gaúcho, one UEFA Super Cup, and two Supercopa de España titles. He also led Uruguay to the Copa América title in 2011.
When he signed with Inter Miami last year, he told the Miami Herald that he was especially grateful to be reuniting with his close friend Messi after four years playing on different teams.
They formed a strong bond on and off the field during their years in Spain. Suarez’s wife, Sofia Balbi, whom he started dating at age 15, became good friends with Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. His children, Delfina, Benjamin, and Lautaro, have grown up with Messi’s three sons and they are in school together in Fort Lauderdale.
“My kids are friends with Leo’s kids and that is important for them to feel happy and comfortable in school,” Suarez said. “My wife is friends with Leo’s wife and that support is very important for us as we adapt to the city and day-to-day life here. My kids had to leave all their friends in Brazil in mid-schoolyear, which is difficult and sad for them. Us soccer players have to deal with tough times moving our families and it helps so much having friends here.”
This story was originally published November 27, 2024 at 10:03 AM.