Luis Suárez celebrated his 38th birthday earlier this year, but he clearly hasn’t lost his touch. On Sunday night into Monday, the Uruguayan striker once again showed his class during the second round of the Major League Soccer season, playing for Inter Miami.
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Luis Suárez celebrated his 38th birthday earlier this year, but once again, the Uruguayan striker is proving that age is no obstacle when it comes to class, leadership, and decisive moments on the pitch.
On Sunday night, during Inter Miami’s emphatic 4-1 win over Houston Dynamo in the second round of the MLS season, Suárez delivered a masterclass in creative play and clinical execution, further cementing his place as one of the most valuable players in the league even in the twilight of his remarkable career.
From the first whistle, it was clear Suárez was fully engaged, acting not only as Miami’s attacking focal point but also as a key playmaker, constantly dropping deep to link up with the midfield and opening space for his teammates. Without Lionel Messi, who missed the match due to a minor injury, Suárez stepped into the leadership role seamlessly, guiding a relatively young Miami side with his vast experience and impeccable understanding of the game.
That Suárez still guarantees goals and assists at this stage of his career is no surprise to those who followed his first season in Miami. In 2023, he found the net 25 times across all competitions, proving that his instinct for goal-scoring hadn’t faded, despite leaving the bright lights of Europe behind. What is perhaps even more impressive is the way Suárez continues to evolve his game. No longer the relentless pressing machine of his prime years at Liverpool or Barcelona, Suárez has adapted into a creative force, reading the game two or three steps ahead of the opposition and using his intelligence to set up teammates with ease.
This new version of Suárez was on full display in Houston, where the veteran striker had a direct hand in all four of Miami’s goals. In the first half alone, Suárez provided three assists each showcasing a different aspect of his genius. The first came after a clever run and pinpoint cross to Telasco Segovia, the second from a quick combination play that left the Houston defense completely exposed, and the third was a beautifully weighted pass that allowed Tadeo Allende to finish calmly. It was the type of all-around attacking performance that highlighted Suárez’s evolution from pure number nine to complete attacking leader.
The highlight of the night, however, came in the 79th minute, when Suárez added a goal to his already glittering performance. After receiving a pass from former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, Suárez turned back the clock with a signature move a subtle drag-back to beat his defender, followed by a sharp cut into the box, and then a perfectly placed left-footed strike into the top corner. It was vintage Suárez a moment of brilliance that left the Houston crowd silent and Miami fans in awe.
Houston did manage to pull one goal back through substitute Nicolás Lodeiro, but by then, the result was beyond doubt. Miami’s dominance, led by Suárez, had already secured the points.
After the match, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano couldn’t hide his admiration for Suárez. “He’s one of the top five strikers in the world over the past decade, without a doubt. He’s played for the biggest clubs in the world and has influenced every team he’s ever been part of. For me, it’s a privilege to coach someone of his caliber,” Mascherano said. “What people sometimes don’t see is how intelligent he is. It’s not just his goals it’s how he presses, how he helps organize the team, and how he constantly reads the game. There are very few players with that level of understanding.”
Mascherano also took time to express his frustration over the late red card shown to Miami defender Ian Fray, calling it “completely unnecessary.” According to the coach, Fray “did absolutely nothing wrong,” leaving many wondering if MLS referees might need to show a bit more composure in situations like that.
Still, nothing could take the shine off a night that belonged to Suárez. In a league that often looks to the future, with its focus on young talent and emerging stars, Suárez is proving that experience and football intelligence are just as valuable as speed and youth. If this performance is any indication, Inter Miami’s ambitious plans for 2024 could very well revolve around the brilliance of their 38-year-old talisman a player who continues to show that class is permanent, even when time is not.
