Tata Martino Hints at Dropping Luis Suarez After Lackluster Performance vs LA Galaxy

Moments ago, Inter Miami played their second MLS fixture against the LA Galaxy. In a surprising turn of events, the Herons managed to clinch a hard-fought draw against the home side as both sides settled for a 1-1 scoreline. As fans digest the outcome, the focus has shifted towards a post-match analysis from Tata Martino. The coach highlighted a ‘weak‘ first-half display from Miami, which subtly casts a shadow over the presence of Luis Suarez in the next fixture. 

The Florida-based club was on the brink of registering its first defeat in the 2024 campaign. Luckily, Lionel Messi came to the rescue in injury time, denying the 10-man Galaxy three points. However, his friend Luis Suarez has made the negative limelight as he failed to make an impact, again firing blank. In fact, during the press conference, when asked to comment on the game, Martino hinted at the poor performance of the Uruguayan striker.

He said, “We had to play a first half that was weak, and [the Galaxy dominated.] The second half was slightly better. It was more fluid.” But wait, it doesn’t end here!

Martino further added that it was the substitutes in the second half who made the difference. Notably, Suarez started the game alongside Messi and tried to find some goals. Unfortunately, the former Gremio man failed to hit the mark, forcing Martino to sub him off for Leonardo Campana. Either way, this claim from the former River Plate manager is an indication that the players who got subbed off, including Suarez, might start the next games from the bench.

Yet, on the brighter side, this will certainly offer the former Liverpool man adequate rest to make a comeback in the next match. After all, Suarez has been urged to play for Miami with his mind rather than with his body.

Luis Suarez advised to use ‘intelligence’ over ‘legs’ to stay fit 

Following Inter Miami’s convincing win against Real Salt Lake, ESPN analysts Sebastian Salazar and Kasey Keller highlighted concerns regarding Luis Suarez’s fitness. While insisting that Messi was improving and Suarez was heading in the ‘opposite direction,’ Salazar expressed his worry about Suarez’s fitness levels, claiming the striker showcased signs of ‘every bit of 37.’

READ MORE: Despite Being a Real Madrid Fan, UFC’s Ilia Topuria Labels Lionel Messi as His Favourite Athlete & Inspiration

Keller soon added that Inter Miami’s and Suarez’s pressing dropped towards the end. While praising Suarez’s work rate, the former USMNT goalkeeper said, “Now he’s going to have to find ways to say, ‘Okay, we’ll press for 5 minutes here, and we’ll drop off. He’ll be using more of his intelligence than his legs.” It appears that the 37-year-old is still grappling with injury concerns. Let’s hope it changes for him. Otherwise, he might see himself on the bench on regular occasions.

READ MORE: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi Emerges as America’s Most Popular Athlete; Tops Poll Ahead of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods & Others