Veteran striker Luis Suarez has confirmed that he has just over two and a half months left on his contract at Inter Miami, but has expressed his desire to extend it. The player hopes to play with his close friend Messi for another year in 2025.
This is also the year Messi has his last contract with Inter Miami. However, the Argentine has not mentioned whether he will activate the extension clause (until 2026). It is likely that Messi will wait for Suarez to renew, and how he plays in 2025, before both make their next decision. Both Messi and Suarez are 37 years old, committed to playing for Inter Miami as the last club of their careers.
Inter Miami president David Beckham recently revealed that the club’s desire is to keep the two veteran players for many more years. But everything will depend on the decisions of Messi and Suarez, based on many factors, including their ability to continue playing at the highest level and their happiness with life in Miami.
“So far, for me, I’m very happy with my life at Inter Miami. I want to continue to be part of the history of the team. My lawyer is talking to the club (about extending the contract). But I have a clear determination to finish the season, that’s what I want, to finish in the best way possible. Through that, to show the club that I always feel motivated, physically fit and want to continue. It will depend on both parties, both me and the club, but I have agreed. Hopefully everything will go well,” Suarez expressed when talking about his desire to extend his contract with Inter Miami.
According to Deporte Total USA , there is a high possibility that Suarez and Inter Miami will sign a one-year contract extension, ending in December 2025. However, official negotiations and announcements will only take place at the end of 2024, after the team completes the MLS Cup playoffs (taking place from October 26 to December 7).
Suarez said: “We are determined to conquer the MLS Cup championship. Inter Miami has a very high-quality group of players. We were very sad and hurt when we were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup (mid-April). After that, Messi and I played in the Copa America. But the rest of the team maintained and took responsibility to bring the team up. This is proof that Inter Miami has a very good and united group of players. We are back and now will embark on a journey with the hope of bringing a historic achievement to the club.”
“In MLS Cup, the matches are completely different from the points round. The competition is very high. We don’t consider ourselves as the favorites. Inter Miami have the advantage of playing at home, and we have to prove our strength to take advantage of every opportunity to go to the final. Obviously, this is a huge challenge, but we have to set ourselves to achieve it,” Suarez explained.
Inter Miami have booked their place in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs. Thanks to their group-top position and Supporters’ Shield win, they will play in the first round against either DC United or CF Montreal on October 26.