Replacing 30YO Josef Martinez With 37YO Injury Prone Luis Suarez Could Be a Disastrous Move for Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami

Inter Miami concluded their 2023 MLS season with a loss against Charlotte FC. Now that the season has come to an end, the team has already turned its attention to the upcoming season. David Beckham, the driving force behind the team, has ambitious plans for a major overhaul of the squad. The aim is to bring in additional world-class talents like Lionel Messi to strengthen the team further and maintain the winning momentum experienced during the Argentinian’s first season with the club. As part of this transformation, the club has already taken the initial steps by parting ways with Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez.

Now, after Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, another chapter of a Barcelona reunion is currently in the works. Apparently, Messi’s best friend and former teammate, Luis Suarez, has emerged as a potential replacement for Martinez. Yet, the prospect of this particular transfer could prove disastrous for the Miami outfit. But before we further dive into it, how did Martinez fall down the pecking order? Also, is there a silver lining to his exit and the arrival of injury-prone Suarez?

How did Josef Martinez fall down the pecking order?

Over the years, Lionel Messi has been a part of some historic trios. Be it enjoying Pep Guardiola’s days alongside Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry or relishing stardom alongside Neymar and Luis Suarez, the Argentine has lived the dream. Shortly after leaving PSG’s star-studded trio with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Messi formed a unique partnership with Josef Martinez and Robert Taylor at Inter Miami.

But it didn’t survive longer than anticipated, with Martinez getting sidelined. Additionally, Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino even benched the Venezuelan forward. Somehow, the player’s injury led to a loss of faith in the coach, and he even lost his starting spot to 18-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi. This is despite the 30-year-old having more experience. Besides enjoying stints at European sides, BSC Young Boys, and Torino, he also won titles with MLS side Atlanta United. He even claimed the 2017/18 MLS top scorer award by scoring 31 goals.

His impressive resume was enough to instill major confidence in Miami, leading them to acquire him on a free transfer this summer. This season, in 40 games, he scored 12 goals and provided 3 assists. Yet, today the situation is rather different, with Tata Martino revealing he won’t play for the Herons next season. The injury has forced the Florida-based club to part ways with the striker.

Now that the vacancy is open for a new striker, sources reveal it may be occupied by Gremio striker Luis Suarez. But it won’t be the right move for the Herons.

Why replacing Josef Martinez with Luis Suarez is bad news for Inter Miami?

Additionally, Messi’s former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also came to live the American dream and joined him at DRV PNK Stadium. But now, we may witness another Blaugrana addition, with Luis Suarez being targeted by Inter Miami. The former Liverpool man was earlier linked with a move to Fort Lauderdale. However, it couldn’t happen due to the Uruguayan’s contractual obligations. However, now it seems that the club is looking to sign ‘El Pistolero’, an addition that won’t prove favorable for Miami.

Suarez is currently tied to Gremio, but the striker isn’t in action as he is sidelined due to a season-ending injury. Ever since the striker left Atletico Madrid, he has been injury-prone. Now, it is anticipated that he will make a return to the field in 2024, and that’s when Miami might sign him. But believe it or not, Suarez will be a risky bet for Miami, which will be no less than a million-dollar gamble night at a Las Vegas Casino.

God forbid if his injury relapses. To make the situation even graver, a few MLS teams still fancy artificial turfs that already have a history of causing injuries to players. Already, they have Messi’s injury to worry about, and Suarez will be just another addition to Miami’s luxury. Should they be able to afford such opulence? It is a question they must ask themselves twice.

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Miami’s last few matches in this year’s campaign made it evident that they struggled without the injured Messi. Just imagine the predicament if they were to hypothetically sign Suarez, and he would also be sidelined.

There is a brighter side to injury-prone Luis Suarez’s arrival

On the other hand, injury-prone Suarez’s arrival is just another silver lining for Miami. Considering the fact that Messi alone garnered cold hard cash for Miami through tickets, merchandise, and sponsorships, signing Suarez won’t be less than getting hands on a lost treasure for the Herons. The presence of Messi and Suarez together will help Beckham roll in dough.

Additionally, even if he manages to stay fit, then there’s no stopping the duo of Messi and Suarez. Their past achievements in Barcelona speak volumes, leaving no room for doubt about their capabilities. Certainly, the soccer fraternity would be in for a treat, and we might expect goals and galore from Miami’s end. But Miami fans shouldn’t count their chickens before they hatch. It all depends on Suarez’s ability to stay injury-free. Otherwise, replacing the injured Martinez with another injury-prone player would be nothing short of ironic.

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Do you think Inter Miami should bring Lionel Messi’s injury-susceptible buddy, Luis Suarez, to replace Josef Martinez? Let us know in the comments.