- It was the Luis Suarez show for Inter Miami Saturday evening as the Herons ran Orlando City into the ground in MLS rivalry week.
It was the most dominant performance we have seen in the Lionel Messi-era of Inter Miami. Up 3-0 at halftime Luis Suarez scored a brace inside 12 minutes of the match, while USMNT midfielder Julian Gressel went into the halftime break with two assists. The entire Herons squad played as one unit, and refused to let up on the gas pedal all evening.
Suarez ended up with four total goal contributions on the evening, notching two assists on top of his early brace. The Uruguayan played a pivotal role in the second half, assisting the Heron’s fifth goal of the night – a brilliant cross to the head of a sprinting Lionel Messi. The Argentine net two himself, with a five-minute brace in the 57th and 62nd minutes of the match.
It was a stunning, and dominant, performance from Miami to host their arch-rivals and utterly dominate them in every aspect of the match.
This was Inter Miami’s largest margin of victory in all competitions since Messi arrived last July. They defeated Toronto FC 4-0 in 2023, but this topped the match, with a give-goal margin.
THE BIG LOSER
The Eastern Conference: There was skepticism over whether or not Luis Suarez could actually play at the MLS level in 2024. In all of the Heron’s preseason, he struggled and did not look fit – and frankly, Miami were bland and uninspiring. However, Saturday marked three-straight MLS matches where they earned a result. They have seven points and sit atop the Eastern Conference – and now – their opposition is on edge.
If Suarez can truly perform at this level, alongside Messi and friends, there is no ceiling for this group. The rest of MLS and their opposition in tournament play should – rightfully – now be scared.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
It’s tournament time for Inter Miami now, with the Herons entering the Concacaf Champions Cup in the Round of 16 this week. Inter Miami clinched a berth by winning the inaugural Leagues Cup last season, and will now debut in the 2024 edition of the tournament on Thursday at Geodis Park in Leg 1 of the tie.
